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George  Washington  Flowers 
Memorial  Collection 

DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 


ESTABLISHED  BY  THE 
FAMILY  OF 

COLONEL  FLOWERS 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 
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littp://www.arcliive.org/details/reportoflieutenaOOconf 


HEPORT 


OP 


LIEUTENANT  GENERAL  HOLMES 


OF  THE 


BATTLE  OF  HELENA; 


ALSO» 

REPORT  OP  LIEUTENANT  GENERAL  A.  P.  HILL 

OF    THE 

BATTLE  OF  BRTSTOE  STATION; 

ALSO, 

RErORT  OV  MAJOR  GENERAL  STEVENSON 

OF 

EXPEDITION  INTO  EAST  TENNESSEE. 


PUBLISHED  BY  ORDER  OF  CONGRESS. 


RICHMOND : 

R.  IL  SMITH,  PUBLIC  PRINTER, 
1864. 


THEFLOVJli^^^^^""-"    .  y;    ,^o  ^ 


MESSAGE  OF  THE  PRESIDENT. 

Richmond,  Va.,  January  19,  1864. 

To  the  Senate  mid  House  cf  Bcpresentathe^ : 

I  herewith  transmit,  for  your  information,  a  communication  from 
the  Secretary  of  War,  covering  copies  of  several  additional  reports  of 
military  operations  during  the  last  year. 

JEFFERSON  DAVIS. 


COMMUNICATION  FROM  THE    SECRETARY  OF  WAR. 

Confederate  States    of  America,  War  Department,  ) 
Richmond,   Va.,  January  18,  1864.      J 

To  the  President  of  the  Co7ifed€rate  States: 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  forward,  for  the  information  of  Congress, 
copies  of  the  reports  of  Lieutenant  General  Holmes  and  his  subordi- 
nates of  the  battle  of  Helena ;  and  of  Lieutenant  General  A.  P.  Hill 
and  his  subordinates  of  the  battle  of  Bristoe  Station;  also,  of  Major 
General  Stevenson  and  subordinates  of  expedition  into  East  Ten- 
nessee. 

I  am.  sir.  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  A.  SEDDON, 

Secretary  of  War. 


'^  '^  0  *>  9  .1 


BATTLE  OF  HELENA 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  GENERAL  HOLMES, 


Little  Rock,  August  1 4th,  1863. 

BrigaUer  General  W   R.  Boggs, 

Chief  of  Staff,  D(partm€nt  Trans-Mississippi, 

Sfirevrport,  Louisiana : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  to  the  Lieutenant  General 
commanding  the  following  report  of  the  attack  made  bj  me  upon 
Helena,  on  the  4th  of  July,  1.S63  : 

In  the  month  of  June,  1S62.  the  Federal  forces,  under  General 
Curtis,  from  the  attempted  invasion  of  Arkansas  betook  themselves 
to  the  city  of  Helena,  and  there  fortified.  Siuoe  that  time  it  has  been 
constantly  and  heavily  garrisoned  by  Federal  troops.  The  possession 
of  this  place  has  been  of  immense  advantage  to  the  enemy.  From 
it,  they  have  threatened  at  all  times  an  invasion  of  Arkansas,  thereby 
rendering  it  necessary  that  troops  should  be  held  in  position  to  repel 
Buch  invasion.  From  it,  they  have  controlled  the  trade  and  senti- 
ments of  a  large  and  important  scope  of  country.  It  has  been  to 
them  a  most  important  depot  for  troops  in  their  operations  against 
Vicksburg. 

In  view  of  these  great  advantages  to  them,  of  the  great  embarrass- 
ment to  my  movements  elsewhere,  arising  from  the  proximity  of  a 
large  and  threatening  army,  and  of  the  deleterious  effect  on  that  por- 
tion of  the  State  caused  by  their  presence,  it  was  deemed  of  very 
great  importance  that  they  should  be  driven  from  their  only  strong- 
hold in  Arkansas.  As  a  means  of  raising  the  siege  of  Vicksburg, 
and  of  keeping  the  Mississippi  river  closed,  in  the  event  of  the  sur- 
render of  that  city,  the  policy  of  the  move  vras  perfectly  apparent. 
Moreover,  from  information,  considered  reliable,  in  my  possession, 
the  capture  of  Helena  by  the  forces  at  my  disposal  seemed  perfectly 
practicable. 


On  the  14tli  June,  1863,  I  telegraplied  to  Lieut.  General  Stnitli, 
that  I  believed  I  could  take  the  place,  and  asked  his  permission  to  attack 
it.  Two  days  after  I  started  to  Jacksonport,  there  to  consult  with 
Generals  Price  and  Marraaduke,  and  to  make  the  necessary  preliminary 
arrangements.  The  result  of  this  interview  was  the  following  or- 
ders : 

Trice's  command,  consisting  General  McRae's  Arkansas  and  Gene- 
ral Parson's  Missouri  brigades  of  infantry,  constituting  Price's  divis- 
ion, and  Colonels  Green's  and  Shelby'g  brigades  of  Missouri  cavalry, 
Marmaduke's  division,  to  rendezvous  at  Cotton  Plant,  and  Brigadier 
General  Pagan's  Arkansas 'brigade  of  infantry,  at  Clarendon,  on  the 
S6th  June,  (Friday,)  whence  by  converging  roads,  the  two  columns 
would  move  in  the  direction  of  Helena.  I  also  informed  General 
Walker,  commanding  baigadc  of  cavalry,  in  the  vicinity  of  Helena, 
of  my  intention,  and  directed  him  to  allow  no  ingress  to  the  place. 

Upon  my  return  to  Little  Rock,  I  found  that  General  Smith  had 
fully  sanctioned  my  proposed  attack,  and  that  the  Secretary  of  War 
had  written  a  strong  letter,  suggesting,  advising  and  urging  it.  Thus 
encouraged,  on  the  26th  of  June,  I  proceeded  to  Clarendon,  and  as- 
sumed command  of  the  expedition.  From  unavoidable  necessity, 
consen^uent  upon  rain,  high  water  and  wretched  roads.  General  Price's 
command  did  not  reach  its  rendezvous  for  four  days  after  the  date 
fixed,  thus  giving  the  enemy  abundant  notice  of  my  approach.  Gene- 
ral Fagan  arrived  at  his  place  of  rendezvous  (Clarendon,)  on  the  26th. 
As  soon  as  the  troops  were  in  position,  I  proceeded  towards  Helena 
by  converging  roads,  and  reached  Allan  Polk's  house,  five  miles  from 
Helena,  on  the  morning  of  July  3d. 

Having  received  full,  accurate  and  reliable  information  of  the 
forces  and  fortifications  of  the  enemy  in  Helena,  and  the  topography 
of  the  surrounding  country,  I  here  made  the  final  disposition  for  the 
attack.  That  information  disclosed  that  the  place  was  very  much  more 
difficult  of  access,  and  the  fortifications  very  much,  stronger  than  I 
had  supposed,  before  undertaking  the  expedition  ;  the  features  of  the 
country  being  peculiarly  adapted  to  defence,  and  all  that  the  art  of 
engineering  could  do,  having  been  brought  to  bear  to  strengthen  it. 
The  fortifications  consisted  of  one  regular  work,  heavily  armed  with 
siege  guns,  and  four  strong  redoubts,  mounted  with  field  pieces,  and 
protected  by  rifle-pits  on  suburban  hills.     (See  the  map.) 

The  disposition  for  the  attach  was  as  per  following  order : 

"  The  attack  on  Helena  will  be  made  to-morrow  morning  at  day- 
light, and  as  follows  : 

*'  First — Major  General  Price,  in  command  of  McRae's  and  Parsons' 
brigades,  will  proceed  by  the  best  route,  assume  position,  assault  and 
take  Grave-yard  hill,  at  daylight. 

*'  Second — Brigadier  General  Walker,  with  his  cavalry  brigade, 
"will,  in  like  manner,  proceed  to  the  Sterling  road,  where  he  will  hold 
himself  in  position,  to  resist  any  troops  that  may  approach  Righton 
hill ;  and  when  that  position  is  captured,  he  will  enter  the  town  and 
act  against  the  enemj  as  circumstances  may  justify. 


"  Third — Brigadier  General  Fagan  will  proceed  by  the  best  route, 
assume  position,  and  take  the  batteries  on  Ilindman  hill,  at  daylight. 

"  Fourth — Brigadier  General  Marmaduke  will  proceed  with  his 
command,  by  the  best  ronte,  assume  position,  and  take  Righton  hill, 
at  daylight." 

This  plan  of  attack  was  fully  concurred  in  by  all  my  general  offi- 
•cere,  and  the  part  assigned  to  each  accepted  with  alacrity. 

Between  eleven  and  twelve  o'clock  at  night,  the  troops  began  to 
move  to  their  respective  positions,  whence  to   assault  in  the  morning. 

General  Fagan  detached  a  regiment  from  his  brigade,  and  sent  it 
forward  to  the  right,  on  the  lower  Little  Rock  road,  to  occupy  the  at- 
tention of  the  enemy  in  the  rifle-pits  below  the  city,  and  to  protect 
his  flank,  in  case  of  an  attack  from  that  quarter. 

Three  detached  companies  of  cavalry,  under  Captain  Denson,  were 
ordered  to  act  as  videttes  in  the  plain  south  of  the  city,  and  to  trans- 
mit to  General  Fagan  rapid  information  of  any  attempt  to  flank  him. 
His  artillery  was  also  sent  forward  on  this,  the  only  practicable  road, 
with  the  hope  that  it  might  assist  in  creating  a  diversion,  and  thereby 
aid  the  general  movement. 

I  took  a  position  a  little  after  daylight  on  the  Grave-yard  ridge, 
half  a  mile  from  the  fortifications,  a  central  point,  there  to  await  the 
development  of  the  attack. 

Soon  after  daylight,  Brigadier  General  Marmaduke  drove  in  the 
pickets  of  the  enemy  in  his  front  and  assaulted  Righton  fort.  It  is 
believed  that  a  strong,  vigorous  and  sudden  attack  on  this  fort  would 
have  been  successful ;  but  some  delay  occurring,  a  heavy  force  of  the 
enemy  appeared  on  his  left  flank  and  rear,  and  held  him  perfectly  iA 
check  during  the  whole  day.  It  was  the  peculiar  duty  of  Brigadier 
General  "Walker  to  have  prevented  this  movement  on  the  part  of  tho 
enemy,  and,  as  represented  by  General  Marmaduke,  the  same  could 
have  been  easily  accomplished.  No  satisfactory  reason  has  been 
given  by  General  Walker  why  this  service  was  not  rendered.  This 
attack,  being  most  remote,  was  not  under  my  personal  supervision, 
and  was  too  distant  for  me  to  give  specific  orders. 

The  assault  on  the  first  line  of  rifle-pits  in  front  of  Ilindman  hill, 
was  made  at  a  few  minutes  after  daylight.  General  Fagan,  at  the 
head  of  his  brigade,  charged  gallantly  over  four  lines,  under  a  deadly 
fire  from  the  rifie-pits  and  guns  on  his  front,  and  a  most  disastrous 
enfilading  fire  from  Grave-yard  hill  on  the  left,  previous  to  the  attack 
by  General  Price.  Having  driven  the  enemy  from,  and  carried  the 
fifth  and  last  line  of  rifle-pits,  the  brave  men,  who  had  followed  him 
thus  far,  overcome  by  sheer  exhaustion,  resulting  from  the  inordinate 
exertion  of  their  difficult  charge,  and  the  intense  heat  of  the  day,  were 
unable  to  proceed  further.  A  charge  upon  the  fort  was  nevertheless 
attempted,  and  failed.  The  brigade  thereupon  took  shelter  behind  the 
inner  line  of  breastworks,  anxiously  awaiting  assistance.  This  assist- 
ance never  arrived.  Major  Gen,  Price  did  not  make  his  attack  till  after 
sunrise,  and  more  than  an  hour  after  the  time  name^i  in  the  order, 
Ab  an  explanation  of  this  delay,  his  report  states,  that  finding  when 


8 

he  had  gotten  within  one  and  a  half  milea  of  the  position  ho  had  been 
ordered  to  take,  that  his  division  would  arrive  upon  the  ground 
prematurely,  he  ordered  a  halt,  and  resumed  his  march  at  dawn  of 
day.  Ilia  troops,  vhen  brought  into  position  and  ordered  forward, 
behaved  magnificently,  charging  rifle-pita  and  breastworks  without  a 
falter,  and  taking  the  hill  without  a  halt. 

As  soon  as  the  works  were  carried,  I  rode  rapidly  into  them.  Find- 
ing the  guns  in  the  fort  had  been  rendered  useless,  by  the  enemy,  be- 
fore being  abandoned,  I  at  once  dispatched  one  of  my  staff  to  the 
rear,  to  bring  up  some  artillery.  Owing  to  the  impracticability  of 
the  roads,  this  could  not  be  effected  in  time. 

Perceiving  the  position  cf  the  gallant  Fagan  and  his  command,  I 
ordered  Brigadier  General  Parsons,  the  only  General  officer  present, 
to  proceed  at  once  to  attack  the  Hindman  fort  in  the  rear.  Every- 
thing was  in  confusion.  Regiments  and  brigades  mixed  up  indis- 
criminately, and  the  order  was  not  attended  to.  Immediately 
afterwards,  I  sent  an  order  to  General  Price  to  the  same  effect,  and 
then  returned  to  my  headquarters. 

Two  or  three  hundred  yards  in  the  rear,  I  passed  Brigadier  Gene- 
ral McRae,  who  had  not  joined  his  brigade  since  the  assault.  I  or- 
dered him  at  once  to  the  fort. 

It  seems  that  General  McRae  was  the  officer  designated  by  General 
Price  to  go  to  General  Fagan's  assistance.  After  much  delay,  he 
proceeded  on  this  duty,  but  utterly  failed  to  render  the  slightest  aid, 
making  no  attempt  to  assault  the  hill. 

Not  having  been  advised  of  this  order  for  General  McRae,  and  be- 
.ing  impatient  of  the  delay,  I  proceeded  again  to  the  fort  on  Grave- 
yard hill,  where  I  found  General  Parsons,  with  only  three  hundred  or 
four  hundred  men  of  his  brigade.  He  informed  me  that  General  Mc- 
Rae had  been  ordered  to  the  relief  of  General  Fagan.  That  officer 
was  no  where  to  be  seen,  while  General  Fagan,  with  greatly  reduced 
force,  was  being  assaulted  and  driven  back  by  the  enemy  largely  rein- 
forced. Under  these  circumstances,  at  ten  and  a  half,  A.  M.,  I  or- 
dered the  troops  to  bo  withdrawn. 

My  retreat  from  Helena  was  effected  in  the  most  perfect  order,  and 
without  the  slightest  demoralization  of  any  kind. 

My  whole  force  engaged  in  this  expedition  amounted  to  seven  thou- 
sand six  hundred  and  forty-six  (7,646.)  My  loss,  as  near  as  is  as- 
certained, is  one  hundred  and  seventy-three  (173)  killed  ;  six  hundred 
and  eighty-seven  (687)  wounded ;  seven  hundred  and  seventy-six 
(770)  missing.  Total,  sixteen  hundred  and  thirty-six  (1,636.)  See 
reports  of  division  and  brigade  commanders  forwarded  herewith. 

I  write  this  report  with  a  deep  pain.  I  commanded  brave,  gallant, 
and  willing  troops,  and  should  have  succeeded  in  the  capture  of  He- 
lena, for  though  the  difficulties  were  very  great,  they  were  not  insur- 
mountable, and  the  misfortune  of  a  failure  was,  in  a  very  great 
measure,  consequent  on  the  men  not  being  well  in  hand  after  success. 
Most  of  my  loss  in  prisoners  resulted  in  not  restraining  the  men  after 
t;he  capture  of  Grave-yard  hill,  from  advancing  into  the  town,  where 
they  were  taken  mainly  without  resistanice.     If/ instead  of  this,  the 


regiments  and  brigades  had  been  reformed  instantly,  the  capture  of 
Hindman  hill,  and  consequently  of  the  town,  would  have  been  of 
easy  occurrence. 

I  cannot  close  this  report  without  expressing  my  obli;:ations  to  his 
Excellency,  Harris  Flanigan,  Governor  of  Arkansas,  who  accompa- 
nied me,  and  had  my  confidence  during  the  whole  campaign  1  owe 
to  his  cool,  discriminating  judgment,  many  valuable  suggi'stiot.s.  His 
presence,  confidence  and  zeal  had  no  little  influence  on  the  spirit  and 
energy  of  the  Arkansas  troops.  He  and  Colonel  Gordon  Rear,  Adju- 
tant General  of  the  State,  acted  as  volunteer  aids-de-cauip  oi^my 
staff  during  the  battle.  As  the  exp}dition  failed,  which  should  have 
succeeded,  I  refrain  from  all  expressions  of  commendation,  believing 
that  the  brave  officers  and  men  who  distinguished  thems'  Ives,  will 
willingly  forego  the  applause  due  to  them,  in  consideration  that  our 
beloved  country  reaped  no  benefit  from  their  exploits. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  General, 

Very  rcspectfullv,  your  obedient  servant, 

THOMAS  H.  HOLMES, 

Lieutenant  General. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  PRICE. 

•  •  Headquarters  Price's  Division,      ) 

Camp  on  Jones'  Lakc^  Jul  J  13,  1863.  \ 

To  Captain  John  W.  Hinsdale,  J.  A.  G.  : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  to  the  Lieutenant  General 
cowmanding,  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  this  division 
in  the  attack  made  upon  Helena  on  the  4th  instant: 

I  left  Jacksonport  in  obedience  to  his  orders,  on  the  22nd  day  of 
June,  with  this  division  and  Marmaduke's  division  of  cavalry.  My 
march  was  greatly  impeded  by  the  extraordinary  rains,  which  begin- 
ning on  the  evening  of  the  24th  June,  and  falling  almost  without  in- 
termission for  four  days,  made  the  rivers,  bayous  and  creeks,  over 
which  my  route  lay,  and  the  bottoms  and  swamps  through  which  it 
ran,  almost  impassible  to  'roops,  unprovided,  as  mine  were,  with  the 
means  of  repairing  roads  and  constructing  bridges  or  rafts.  I  was 
however,  enabled  by  the  skill  and  energy  of  my  officers,  and  by  the 
willing  endurance  and  laborious  industry  of  n>y  men,  to  surmount 
these  unlocked  for  obstacles,  and  to  reach,  on  the  morning  of  the  3rd 
instant,  a  point  within  five  miles  of  Helena. 

At  this  point,  Lieutenant  General  Holmes,  having  assumed  the  im- 
mediate command  of  all  the  troops  before  Helena,  detached  Marma- 
duke's division  from  my  command,  leaving  me  two  brigades;  the  one 
of  Arkansians,  under  Brigadier  General  Dandridge  McRae,  consisting 
of  three  regiments  of  infantry  and  afieldhattery.  with  twelve  hundred 
and  twenty-seven  men  present  for  duty  ;  the  other  of  Missourians, 
under  Brigadier  General  M  Monroe  Parsons,  ccni^isting  of  four  regi- 
ments of  infantry,  a  liattalion  of  sharpshooters  and  a  field  battery, 
having  in  all,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty -eight  (1,868) -men 
present  for  duty.      These  two  brigades  consiiluttd  this  division. 

The  order  of  attack  directed  that  L  "in  command  of  McRae's  and 
Parson's  brigades,  sht  uM  proceed  by  the  bt-i-t  route,  assume  position, 
assault  and  take  the  grave  yard  hill  at  daylight."  I  made  my  dispo- 
sitions, accordingly  and  moved  at  midnight,  with  Parson's  brigade  in 
front. 

As  my  route  lay  for  the  greater  pfirt  of  the  way  across  abrupt  hills 
and  deep  ravines,  over  which  it  Avas  utterly  fmpiacticable  to  move  my 
artillery  during  the  darkness,  I  ordered  the  pieces  to  be  left  behind 
until  daybreak,  and  armed  details  from  each  battery  to  accompany  the 
infantry,  in  order  to  man  the  guns  which  I  expected  to  capture. 

Finding  when  I  had  gotten  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  the  position 
which  I  had  been  ordereil  to  take,  that  my  divii-ion  would  arrive  upon 
the  ground  prematurely,  I  ordered  a  halt,  during  which  the  Lieutenant 
General  commanding  came  to  and  remained  with  the. division  until 
the  dawn  of  day,  when  the  line  of  march  was  resumed.  Then  push- 
ing forward  rapidly,  until  my  skirmishers  had  become  engaged  with 


those  of  the  enemy,  and  within  half  a  mile  of  his  works,  the  troops 
were  formed  into  two  coluiuns  of  divisions,  Parson's  brigade  occupy- 
ing the  right  and  moving  in  front. 

The  enemy's  ire  becoming  somewhat  sharp  about  this  time,  the 
guides  who  were  conducting  the  columns  took  occasion  to  leave  un- 
perceived.  Some  confusion  and  consequent  delay  ensued,  but  mother 
guide  having  been  obtained,  the  head  of  the  column  soon  occupied  the 
position  from  which  the  assiiult  was  to  be  made.  A  brief  hMlt  was 
here  ordered,  to  give  the  troops  time  to  recover  somewhat  from  the 
exhausting  fatigues  consequent  upon  their  rapid  march  over  a  succes- 
sion of  almost  precipitous  and  heavily  wooded  hills. 

The  order  lor  the  assault  (as  explained  to  the  general  officers  and 
regiment*!  commanders  of  the  division  the  evening  before  )  directed 
that  General  Parson's  moving  in  front  should  halt  tbe  head  of  his 
column  at  the  point  from  which  he  was  to  make  the  as.«ault,  until  the 
head  of  General  jMcRae's  column  should  reach  its  position  on  the  left, 
when  both  columns  should  advance  simultaneously  to  the  assault. 

During  the  brief  halt  just  alluded  to,  and  just  as  I  had  ordered 
General  !McRae  forward,  the  Lieutenant  General  commanding  rode, 
up  and  asked  why  the  assault  had  not  been  made.  I  explained  the 
facts  to  him,  and  thinking  that  time  enough  had  elapsed  for  (Jcneral 
McKac  to  get  into  position,  I  dispatched  one  of  my  staff  to  General 
Parsons  to  ascertain  why  he  was  not  advancing.  lie  replied  that  he 
was  waiting  for  General  McRae  to  get  into  position.  Meanwhile 
General  McRae  had  moved  his  brigade  into  position,  but  (owing  to 
the  difficulties  and  necessities  of  the  ground)  further  to  the  left  than 
had  been  originally  ordered  and  explained  to  General  Parsons,  and 
with  a  high  ridge  interposing  between  it  and  Parson's  brigade,  so  that 
the  latter  officer  could  not  see  that  it  had  gotten  into  position.  I  im- 
mediately directed  one  of  my  staff  officers  tocommunicate  these  facts 
to  General  Parsons  and  to  order  him  to  make  the  assault  without  any 
further  delay,  as  General  McRae,  to  whom  I  had  sent  orders  to  that 
effect,  would  be  advancing  before  he  (General  Partons)  could  rcceire 
my  order. 

Both  brigades  moved  forward  on  the  instant,  rapidly,  steadily,'  un- 
flinchingly, and  in  perfect  order,  under  a  storm  of  minnie  bails,  grape 
and  cannister,  which  were  poured  upon  them  not  only  from  the  grave- 
yard hill  in  their  front,  but  from  the  fortified  hills  upon  the  right  and 
the  left,  both  of  which  were  in  easy  range. 

The  enemy  gave  way  before  the  impetuous  as:=ault  of  the  attacking 
columns,  which  entering  the  workg  almost  simultaneously,  planted  the 
Confederate  flag  upon  the  summit  of  the  grave-yard  hill. 

Each  brigade  had  done  its  allotted  duty  with  equal  zeal,  devotion 
and  gallantry,  and  each  is  entitled  to  an  equal  share  of  the  honor, 
which  justly  attaches  to  those  who  discharge  their  duty  as  these  men 
did,  fearlessly,  well,  and  successfully. 

Being  in  possession  of  the  hill,  and  finding  that  the  captured  guns 
had  been  shot-wedged,  I  directed  my  chief  of  artillery  to  bring  for- 
ward the  pieces  which  I  had  left  behind.  This  he  did,  as  promptly 
as  the  difl^culties  of  the  ground  would  permit,  but  not  until  it  was  too 


12 

■Iftte  for  them  to  be  used  in  the  action,  yeanwhileaheavy  fire  was  con- 
iBentrated  upon  tlie  hill  from  the  four  fortified  positions,  which  the 
enemy  still  continued  to  1  old.  and  from  the  hill  sides  and  ravines, 
under  cover  of  which  their  t-harpshooters  (delivered  a  well  directed 
»nd  very  effective  fire,  whilst  the  gunbcat,  which  lay  in  front  of  the 
town,  kept  up  au  un intermitting  discharge  of  its  heavy  guns. 

Perceiving  at  once  that  the  surest  way  to  relieve  my  men  from  the 
disastrous  effects  of  this  galling  fire,  was  to  aid  General  Fagan  to  take 
the  enemy's  works  upon  my  right,  and  receiving  information  at  the 
game  time,  that  that  gallant  oflBcer  had  been  repulsed  in  every  attempt 
to  o.tsault  those  works,  I  eent  to  General  Pareons  an  order  directing 
him  to  move  his  brigade  forthwith  to  the  reinforcement  of  General 
Fagan.  He  replied  to  the  officer,  by  whom  I  sent  the  order,  that 
General  McRae  (  who  was  by  his  side  at  the  time)  would,  with  my 
permission,  goto  the  assistance  of  General  Fagan,  whilst  his  (Par- 
sons) brigade,  being  the  stronger  of  the  two,  would  hold  the  grave- 
yard hill.  Before  this  reply  was  brought  back  to  me  I  sent  an  other 
of  ray  staff,  bv  direction  ot  the  Lieutenant  General  commanding,  to 
4e?.iyer  to  General  Parsons  an  order  similar  to  the  one  already  sent. 
General  Parsons'  reply  having  been  meanwhile  received,  another  order 
was  sent  directing  him  to  hold  the  hill,  and  General  McRae  to  rein- 
force General  Fagan,  as  speedily  as  possible,  with  his  brigade. 

It  soon  became  obvious,  however,  that  both  brigades  had  been  so 
much  weakened  by  their  heavy  losses  in  killed  and  wounded,  and  par- 
ticularly in  prisoners,  (the  mcst  of  the  latter  having  been  captured  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  town  whither  they  had  gone  without 
orders  from  me)  and  by  the  straggling  of  those  whom  thirst  and  the 
intense  heat  of  the  day  overcame,  or  who  had  become  disheartened  by 
the  failure  of  the  other  assaulting  columns,  that  I  could  not  send  any 
effective  aid  to  General  Fagan,  without  too  greatly  endangering  my 
own  position.  It  was  equally  obvious  that,  unless  such  aid  could  be 
promptly  sent  to  General  Fagan,  the  general  attack  upon  Helena  must 
fail.  It  was  under  these  circumstances  that  I  received  an  order  from 
the  Lieutenant  General  commanding  to  withdraw  my  division.  In 
compliance  with  this  order  my  troops  were  withdrawn  to  a  point  about 
four  miles  from  Helena,  where  they  rested  for  the  night,  and  resumed 
the  march  hither  on  the  morning  of  the  5th. 

The  Lieutenant  General  commanding  was  himself  a  witness  of  the 
conduct  of  my  division.  He  saw  the  alacrity  with  which  they  ad- 
vanced to  the  positions  to  which  they  had  been  assigned.  He  knows 
the  steadiness  and  unfaltering  courage  with  which  they  moved,  in  the 
midst  of  a  deadly  fire,  over  deep  ravines  and  precipitous  hills,  ob- 
structed with  felled  timber,  to,  into,  and  over  the  works  which  they 
lijad  been  ordered  to  take,  driving  everything  before  them.  He 
fcrimoelf  waa'a  witness  of  the  undaunted  bravery  and  enduring  con- 
atancy  with  which,  animated  by  his  own  inspiring  example  and 
gallant  bearing,  they  stood  unshaken  in  the  very  centre  of  that 
tince?ising  fire  which  was  hurled  against  them  from  gunboat,  from 
fiats,  and  from  rifle-pits.  I  am  sure  that  he  will  pay  them  that  tribute 
of  praise  to  irhich  their  courage  and  endarance  entitle  them.     The 


13 

accompanying  reports  of  Brigadier  Generals  McRae  and  Parsona 
will  explain  in  detail  the  part  taken  by  their  reppcetive  brigades,  and 
point  out  to  the  Lieutenant  General  commanding  such  of  their  officers 
and  men  as  are  particularly  deserving  of  mcnticn.  I  have  not  been 
able  to  obtain  perfectly  accurate  reports  of  the  casualties  in  this 
division,  but  these  may  be  stated  approximately  as  follows: 

Killed.        Wounded.       Missing.       Total, 

McRae's  brigade 46  168  I3;i  'C^l 

Parsons' brigade 59  336  3^9  '>G4 

105  504  603  l,ni 

I  vsill  forward  detailed  reports  of  these  casuclties  as  soon  as  ths 
lists  can  be  carefully  revised.  The  separation  of  the  command  v.'ill 
necessarily  entail  some  delay  in  the  revision  of  them. 

The  almirable  conduct  of  Brigadier  General  Parsons,  not  only^ 
upon  the  field,  but  upon  the  march,  merits  my  earnest  comraendatioD, 
whilst  his  skill  and  gallantry,  as  well  as  his  long  and  uninterrupiod 
active  service  as  brigadier  general,  firet  in  the  Missouri  Siate  Guard, 
and  more  recently  in  the  provisional  army  of  trtP  Confederate  States, 
are,  in  my  opinion,  worthy  of  recognition  on  the  part  of  the  Goveva- 
ment. 

I  must  also  commend  the  excellent  discipline  which  General  McRae 
maintains  at  all  times  in  his  brigade;  the  marked  good  sense  and 
energy  with  which  he  conducted  its  march  to  Helena;  the  prompti- 
tude with  which  he  has  always  obeyed  my  commands,  and  the  earnest 
efforts  which  he  made  to  reinforce  Geneial  Fagan  towards  the  close 
of  the  attack. 

I  have  not  in  my  former  reports  mentioned  the  officers  of  my  staff, 
though  most  of  them  have  been  eminently  des^erving  of  praise  for 
gallant  and  meritorious  conduct  upon  more  than  one  hard  fought  ficli. 
Justice  requires  that  I  should  not  permit  the  present  ccca.sion  to  pfsfl 
without  placing  upon  record  my  sense  and  appreciation  of  the  worth 
and  merits  of  those  of  them,  at  least,  who  participated  in  the  preaeni 
movement. 

Major  Thomas  L.  Snead,  senior  assistant  adjutant  general  of  my 
command,  to  whom  I  have  been  often  indebted  for  vigorous  support. 
in  hours  of  perilous  trial,  (apart  from  the  intelligent  and  faitbfal 
performance  of  the  responsible  and  onerous  duties  of  his  ofBce,)  sur- 
passed himself  this  day  in  the  intrepid  manner  with  which  he  bord 
himself  throughout  the  conflict,  rallying  the  troops  again  and  again 
and  urging  them  forward  to  the  scene  of  action. 

In  this  work,  under  tho  hottest  fire  of  the  enemy,  and  until  we  Lad 
Bwep:  their  entrenchments  and  carried  the  hill,  ho  was  faithfully,  fear- 
lessly and  gallantly  assisted  by  Major  L.  A.  Maclean,  A.  A.  G. 

My  thanks  are  due  to  my  aids-de-oamp,  Lieutenant  Richard  T. 
Morrison  and  Lieutenant  Celsus  Price,  for  their  willing  assistance, 
promptly  rendered  upon  this,  as  upon  other  hotly  contested  fields. 

1  commend  all  of  these  officers  to  the  Lieutenint  General  command- 
ing, and  through  him  to  the  President,  for  promotion,  on  account  of 
gallant  and  meritorious  conduct  in  the  field. 


i4 

Acting  Engineers  John  Mhoon,  of  Alabama,  and  D.  C.  Cage,  of 
Mississippi,  not  only  deserve  honorable  mention  for  their  gallantry 
upon  the  field,  hue  for  the  skill  aud  energy  with  which  they  overcame 
the  difficulties  that  obstructed  my  road  from  Cache  river  to  Helena. 
I  have  repeatedly  recommended  Mr.  Mhoon  for  appointment  in  the 
engineer  corps,  and  again  respectfully  urge  the  President  to  recognize 
the  worth  of  so  excellent  an  officer.  Mr.  Cage's  services  demand  a 
similar  recognition. 

Nor  should  the  less  conspicuous,  but  equally  useful,  services  of 
Major  Isaac  Brinker  and  Major  John  Reid  be  passed  over  in  silence. 
To  the  practical  good  sense  and  untiring  and  well  directed  energy  of 
the  former,  as  chief  quartermaster  of  my  division,  I  am  greatly  in- 
debted for  the  accomplishment  of  the  march  to  Helena  and  back  to 
this  point ;  whilst  the  latter,  as  chief  commissary  of  subsistence,  has, 
\n  spite  of  many  difficulties,  continued  to  subsist  the  troops  both 
regularly  and  well. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Clay  Taylor,  chief  of  artillery  and  acting  chief 
of  orjlnance,  dischar^^d  the  onerous  duties  of  both  those  offices  with 
laborious  fidelity  an(^o  my  entire  satisfaction. 

To  my  chief  surgeon,  Thomas  D.  Wooten,  to  surgeon  William  M. 
McPheeters,  and  to  assistant  field  purveyor  R.  M.  Slaughter,  my 
constant  thanks  and  commendation  are  due  for  the  sedulous  manner 
in  which  they  have  at  all  times  devoted  themselves  to  the  sick  and 
wounded,  but  never  more  humanely  or  more  conspicuously  than  upon 
this  occasion. 

These  gentlemen  tell  me  that  they  owe  their  grateful  acknowledge- 
ments to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Marvin  for  the  very  important  services  which 
he  rendered  at  their  hospitals,  not  only  offering  the  consolations  of 
his  holy  office  to  the  dying,  but  ministering  assiduously  to  the  wants 
of  the  wounded. 

Major  John  Tyler,  C.  S.  A.,  acting,  for  want  of  an  appropriate 
command,  as  volunteer  aid-de-camp,  remained  by  my  side  in  view  of 
special  contingencies,  which  might  fittingly  task  his  valuable  accom- 
plishments. 

Mr.  Charle*  T.  Perrie,  volunteer  aid-de-camp,  is  also  entitled  to 
my  thanks  for  the  activity  which  ha  displayed  at  the  opening  of  the 
attack. 

I  would  refer  particularly  to  the  gi^llant  conduct  and  bearing  of 
Mr.  Gustavus  A.  Dyes,  clerk  in  the  office  of  the  assistant  adjutant 
general,  and  of  orderly  Daniel  M.  Kavanaugh,  both  of  whom  have 
by  their  conduct  in  this  field,  merited  commissions  in  the  army,  and 
both  of  whom  have  borne  themselves  equally  well  in  more  important 
battle  fields. 

Major  Henry  M.  Clark,  assistant  inspector  general,  was  detained 
from  the  field  by  serious  illness  ;  Major  E.  C.  Cabell,  paymaster,  by 
duties  elsewhere. 

I  am,  Captain,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

STERLING  PRICE, 

Major  General. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  PARSONS. 

Headquarters  Fourth  Brigade,  Price's  Division,  ) 

July  10,  1863.      S 
Major  T.  L.  Snead,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Major:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  following  as  the  part  taken 
by  my  brigade  in  the  battle  of  Helena,  on  the  4th  instant : 

On  the  evening  of  the  3d  of  July  the  army  bivouacked  on  the  Lit- 
tle Rock  and  Helena  road,  and  six  miles  from  the  latter  place.  It 
having  been  determined  to  attack  the  enemy  at  dawn  next  morning, 
the  disposition  of  the  troops  for  the  various  points  of  attack  was  im- 
mediately made  by  the  Lieutenant  General,  commanding  the  army, 
and  the  Major  General,  cimmanding  this  division.  The  assault  and 
capture  of  the  enemy's  works  on  Grave-yard  hill  was  assigned  to  the 
Major  General  commanding  Brigadier  General  McRae's  brigade  (Ar- 
kansas,) and  my  brigade  (Missouri  volunteers.)  This  position  was, 
by  the  Lieutenant  General  commanding,  believed  to  be  the  strongest 
of  all  the  enemy's  works,  and  the  key  to  all  his  defences.  He  was 
particularly  solicitous  that  it  should  be  carried  and  held  at  all  hazards. 
It  was  represented  to  contain  six  heavy  pieces,  protected  by  earth- 
works and  a  line  of  rifle  pits  on  its  front,  and  extremely  inaccessible 
on  account  of  the  numerous  sharp  ridges,  steep  ravines,  and  felled 
timber  in  its  front  and  flank.  These  works  were  situated  between 
Fort  Iliudman  on  the  right,  and  another  fort  on  the  left,  both  being 
within  rifle  range  of  the  position  to  be  assailed  by  my  command,  and 
supported  in  its  rear  by  another  fort  between  it  and  the  town  of  He- 
leaa,  and  Fort  Curtis  obliquely  to  the  right  and  rear  of  the  work  to 
be  assaulted.  All  these  fortifications  were  situated  upon  high,  steep 
hills,  with  deep  ravines  and  felled  timber  between,  rendering  the  rapid 
and  orderly  movement  of  the  troops  very  diflicult. 

At  twelve  o'clock  on  the  night  of  the  3d,  the  division  was  put  in 
motion,  my  brigade  in  advance,  which  moved  in  tbe  following  order, 
viz  :  first,  battalion  of  sharpshooters,  Major  Pindall  commanding,  in 
front;  second,  the  ninth  regiment,  Colonel  White;  third,  the  eighth 
regiment.  Colonel  Burns  commanding;  fourth,  the  seventh  regiment, 
Colonel  Lewis  commanding  ;  fifth,  the  tenth  regiment.  Colonel  Picket 
commanding.  After  moving  on  the  main  road  about  two  miles,  the 
column  diverged  to  the  left,  along  an  obscure  path  for  two  miles  fur- 
ther, and  then  left  this  path  to  the  left,  and  followed  up  a  rivulet, 
until  arriving  within  about  one  and  a  half  miles  of  Grave-yard  hill. 
Day  having  not  yet  dawned,  a  halt  was  ordered,  to  await  sufficient 
light,  during  which  time  my  command  was  ordered  to  "load."  I  had 
previously  thrown  out  well  to  the  front,  as  skirmishers,  Major  Pin- 
dall's  battalion  of  sharpshooters,  to  which  command  was  attached  Cap- 
tain Bi.scoe's  company  of  sharpshooters,  from  McRae's  brigade.  Tak- 
ing' advantage  of  this  halt,  I  particularly  instructed  in  person  the 
commandants  of  regiments  as  to  the  plan  of  attack,  an  1  charged  thorn, 
that  in  the  event  if  any  of  their  division  should  become  disordored  in. 


16 

carrying  the  works,  that  they  should  be  promptly  reformed,  and,  as 
the  orders  of  my  superiors  (  xtended  only  to  the  capture  of  Grave- 
yard hill,  that  no  further  movement  should  be  made  without  orders. 
I  deemed  this  precaution  absolutely  necessary,  as  it  was  impossible 
for  either  myself  or  staff  to  ride  over  the  rough  ground  on  which  we 
moved,  and  consequently  orders  could  not  be  transmitted  with  the 
usual  rapidity. 

At  dnylight  the  march  was  resumed,  and  in  a  fhort  time  we  en- 
countered the  steep  ridges  and  deep  ravines,  which  rendered  the  move- 
ment very  slow  and  fatiguing.  At  five  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Major  Pindall 
encountered  the  enemy's  pickets,  about  half  a  mile  from  the  fortifica- 
tions Sharp  skirmishing  ensued,  and  finally  they  were  driven  in.  I 
ordered  the  column  to  form  divisions  at  half  distance,  and  move  stead- 
ily forward  in  that  order.  The  enemy  now  commenced  throwing  shells 
and  grape  upon  the  column,  killing  and  wounding  about  twenty  men  ; 
but  no  signs  of  disorder  or  fear  were  apparent — they  moved  steadily 
and  firmly  forward.  By  this  time  Pindall's  sharpshooters  had  arrived 
within  musket  range  of  the  enemy's  works,  and  from  behind  stumps 
and  logs,  and  the  branches  of  felled  trees,  were  delivering  an  effective 
fire  upon  the  gunners  of  the  enemy's  artillery. 

Upon  arriving  within  three  hundred  yards  of  the  line  of  rifle-pits, 
I  again  halted  the  columns,  to  allow  rest,  and  to  enable  Brigadier 
General  McRae  to  move  upon  ray  left  and  take  position,  as  previously 
agreed  upon  between  that  officer  and  myself,  for  the  purpose  of  mak- 
ing a  combined  assault  upon  the  works.  So  soon  as  it  was  announced 
to  me  that  he  was  in  position,  I  ordered  the  "forward"  at  double- 
quick,  to  which  officers  and  men  responded  with  alacrity.  Just  at 
this  moment  a  heavy  fire  was  opened  on  my  right  flank  from  a  rifle- 
pit,  distant  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  ;  also  the  shell  and 
grape  from  Fort  Hindman  was  showered  down  upon  the  column. 
This  was  the  critical  moment.  I  watched  with  an  anxious  eye  to  see 
whether  my  battalions  would  falter  or  break  under  this  flank  attack, 
but  they  moved  gallantly  on,  unheeding  the  murderous  missiles  now 
being  hurled  on  theip  both  from  front  and  flank.  Turning  my  atten- 
tion to  the  front,  the  head  of  the  two  columns  (McRae's  and  mine) 
were  beyond  the  rifle-pits,  and  in  an  instant  While's  battle- flag,  wav- 
ing over  the  works,  announced  that  Gravo-yard  hill  was  won. 

Thirty  men  of  Tilden's  battery  having  been  armed  and  sent  forward 
with  Colonel  White's  regiment,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Less- 
neur,  for  the  purpose  of  working  the  eneay's  guns,  upon  their  cap- 
ture, this  officer  immediately  took  them  in  charge,  but  finding  shot 
wedged  in  the  bore,  and  the  enemy  having  taken  away  the  worms,  he 
could  not  work  them.  He  and  his  men  resumed  their  muskets,  and 
fought  as  infantry  throughout  the  battle. 

As  previously  ordered,  the  commandants  of  regiments  proceeded  to 
restore  order  in  their  commands,  wherever  confusion  had  occurred. 
-Just  at  this  time  the  Lieutenant  General  commanding  arrived  upon 
the  hill,  and  gave  orders  directly  to  one  of  my  Colonels  to  attack  and 
carry  the  fort  in  the  direction  of  the  town,  and  he,  proceeding  to  ex- 
«cute  the  order,  the  other  commandants,  understanding  it  to  be  a  gen- 


17 

era!  movement  towards  the  town,  advanced  in  that  direction,  a^me 
portions  of  regiments  rushing  into  town,  and  even  to  the  river's  bnnk. 
All  the  way  from  Grave-yard  hill  to  the  town,  and  through  it,  those 
devoted  troops  were'ex^oscd  to  a  fatal  cross-fire  from  the  enemy's  ar- 
tillery and  mut^ketry.  It  was  here  that  my  loss  was  the  heaviest ; 
not  more  than  half  of  those  that  went  in  that  direction  returned — the 
remainder  w^re  killed,  woun  iei,  and  takon  prisoners. 

From  time  to  time  the  enemy  made  repented  assaults  on  Grave- 
yard hill,  but  was  always  successfully  repulsed.  Whilst  Geu-oral 
McRac  and  myself  were  thus  holding  it  under  the  terrific  storm  of 
bullets  hurled  upon  us,  both  from  the  riglit  and  from  tlie  left,  he  sug- 
gested that  if  I  with  my  command  would  hold  the  position,  he  w<,ul(l 
assjiult  Fort  Hindnan  in  the  rear,  which  General  Fagan  wjisthcn  en- 
gaging in  front.  This  arrangement  having  been  agreed  upon,  ho 
moved  with  what  troops  he  had  at  his  disposal  to  the  assault ;  hut, 
being  assailed  by  the  guns  from  the  fort,  by  the  musketry  from  the  rifle- 
pits,  and  itt  flank  by  the  heavy  artillery  from  the  gunboat,  he  was 
compelled  10  withdraw  his  gallant  oommaud  into  the  timber  for  shelter. 

During  these  operations  against  Fort  lliudman,  the  enemy  was- 
continually  shelling  my  position  from  the  fort  upon  my  left,  and  re* 
peatedly  advanced  against  me,  but  was  each  time  repulsed.  General 
Fagan  having  retired  from  the  assault  upon  Fort  Ilinlman,  no  troops 
were  now  upon  the  field  except  my  own.  The  enemy  moved  upon  me 
in  front  and  upon  both  flanks,  and  opened  a  furious  cross- fire  of  ar- 
tillery from  right  and  left.  I  still  maintained  my  position,  driving 
back  the  enemy's  infantry  wherever  assaulted.  At  a  quarter  past  ten 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  I  received  an  order  from  the  Major  General  command- 
ing to  "  retire."  I  immediately  sent  orders  to  commandants  of  regi- 
ments and  PindalTs  battalion  to  withdraw  their  commamls  in  good 
order,  and  fight  the  enemy  as  they  retired.  At  half-past  ton,  A.  M,, 
I  withdrew  my  command  from  the  field. 

It  gives  me  great  pain  to  report  the  heavy  losses  in  brave  oflUcera 
and  men  that  my  brigade  8ustaine<l  on  that  bloody  field.  The  fol low- 
ing commissioned  officers  of  the  ninth  regiment  fell  killed  on  the  fiijld  : 
Major  Sandford,  Captain  Launius,  and  Lieutenant  Spencer,  The 
following  were  wounded:  Colonel  White,  Adjutant  Thomas,  Lieuten- 
ants Kelly,  Essleman,  and  Kerr. 

In  PindalTs  battalion  were  wounded:  Captains  Cake  and  Phillips, 
and  Lieutenant  Armstrong. 

In  the  eighth  regiment  were  killed  :  Lieutenants  Fester  and  Far- 
ley. Wounded  :  Lieutenant  Colonel  Murray,  Captains  M'Rill,  Brad- 
ley, and  Johnson  ;  Lieutenants  Pierce,  McBride,  Gibson,  Dudley, 
Good,  Stevens,  and  Wetherford. 

In  the  seventh  regiment  were,  killed:  Captains  Cocko  and  Perry. 
Wounded  :  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cummings,  Adjutant  Waisburg,  Cap- 
tains Gillett,  StemmonB,and  McGee  ;  Lieutenants  Austin,  Anderson, 
Weims,  Wllite,  Strong,  W^all,  Finley,  West,  Gonce,  and  Bronaugh. 
Colonel  Lewis  captured. 

In  tho  tenth  regiment  were  wounded  :  Lieutenants  Wright,  Baker, 
and  Uanley. 
9 


17 

126 

54- 

-19-/ 

14 

82 

67- 

-163 

7 

53- 

-  60 

II 

41 

237- 

-289 

9 

26 

8- 
•     1 

-  43 

1 
8 

3- 

-  12 

18 

The  fono\ying  is  a  suramary  of  my  losses  in  each  regiment,  battal- 
ion, nd  the  artillery  detachment: 

Seventh  regiment — Killed,      -  -  -      .       - 

Wounded,  _  >  _ 

Missing,  -  -  -  - 

Eighth    regiment — Killed,       - 

Wounded,  _  -  _ 

Missing,  -  -  -  . 

Ninth  regiment —     Kilied,     -  -  -  _ 

Wounded,  _  '_  . 

Tenth  regiment —    Killed,      .  .  -  - 
Wounded, 

Missing,  -  -  -       •      - 

Pindall'sshps'trs— Killed,      .  -  -  . 

Wounded,  _  >  _ 

Misv>itig,  -  -  -  - 

Artillery  detach't — Killed,      -  -  .  . 

Wounded,  _  -  . 

Missing,  -  -  - 

Total  loss,  .  -  .  _  764 

Recapitulation. 

Killed, 59 

Wounded,  -  .  .  -  .  3ii6 

Missing,  -  .  .  .  .  3G9— 764 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  every  regiment,  battalion  and  squad  of  my 
brigade  was  actively  engaged  with  the  enemy,  and  that  each  sustained 
its  proportionate  of  the  heavy  losses  above  reported — Captain  Til- 
dcn's  battery  not  havif;g  been  taken  into  action,  it  being  impractica- 
ble to  do  so  on  account  of  obstructions  in  the  line  of  march 

While  the  country  will  long  mourn  the  loss  of  the  gallant  officers 
and  men  who  fell  as  martyrs  to  our  cause,  the  historians  of  this  rev- 
olutiqn  Villi  record  them  as  "  the  bravest  of  the  brave."  For  their 
gallant  comrades  who  lie  now  disabled  from  their  wounds,  the  officers 
and  soldiers  of  this  brigade  feel  the  deepest  solicitude,  and  cherish 
the  hope  that  they  will  soon  recover  and  return  to  their  commands,  to 
^ive  the  country  more  examples  of  unprecedented  coolness  and  daring. 
To  mention  the  name  of  any  particular  officer  or  soldier  as  hav- 
ing distinguished  himself  for  gallantry  above  his  fellows,  would  be 
to  do  injustice,  for  the  brigade  as  a  whole  fully  sustained  its  well- 
earned  reputation,  and  given  additional  evidence  of  the  disinterested 
devotion  of  Missourians  to  the  cause  of  their  country — showing,  as 
heretofore,  that  they  are  always  among  the  first  in  the  breach,  and 
the  last  to  leave  it.  I  am  indebted  to  my  aids,  Captain  Edwards  and 
Lieutenant  Chesnut,  for  the  prompt  and  untiring  energy  with  which 
they  assisted  me  in  the  engagement.  Major  Monroe,  my  brigade 
quartermaster,  and  Major  Ruthvan,  my  brigade  commissary,  deserre 
great  praise  for  the  activity  with  which  they  discharged  the  duties  of 
their  respective  departments.     Chief  Surgeon  Bear,  with  the  regi- 


19 


mental  surgeons  and  their  assistants,  were  on  the  Md    an?  k    .1    • 
prompt  professional  attention  to  the  wounded      ^v.!j'  ^"'^  ^^/^^'' 

1  Have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respoctfullj, 

M.  M.  PARSONS,      • 
Official  ;  Brigadier  General  commanding. 

Thomas  L.  Snead,  Major  and  A.  A.  G. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  McRAE. 

IlEAnquARTERS  McRak's  Brig/.de,  Julj  14,   1863. 

To'  Major  Thomas  L.  Snead, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Price's  Division  : 

M/'JOr:  I  submit  the  following  report  of  the   action  of  my  brigade 
in  the  assault  upon  the  town  of  Helena  on  the  4th  instant. 

On  tie  3rd  orders  were  issued  fiom  district  headquarters  for  Gen- 
eral Parsons'  and  my  brigade  to  assault  and  take  the  fort  upon 
Qrave-yard  hill  at  daylight  upon  the  morning  of  the  4th.  By 
egre^'ment,  General  Parsons'  brigade  was  to  move  in  front  until  he 
got  into  position,  so  as  to  enable  him  to  rush  past  the  fortification,  by 
vaj  of  the  ravine  south  of  the  Grave-yard  hill,  and  then  charge  the 
fort  in  reverse.  As  soon  as  Geneial  Parsons  was  in  position,  my 
bri;;n(le  Avas  to  move  to  the  left  and  charge  the  works  in  front,  simul- 
t-ineously  with  the  assault  to  be  made  by  General  Parsons.  The 
evening  before  the  assault  General  Parsons  and  myself  had  been  fur- 
nisVod  with  five  guides.  We  took  up  the  line  of  march  at  twelve 
o'clock  at  night.  Three  of  these  guides  went  with  General  Parsons 
I  al.-o  sent  to  his  front  one  company  of  sharpshooters,  under  command 
of  Captain  Biscne,  of  Hart's  regiment — Captain  Biscoe  being  familiar 
V.ith  the  country.  Before  daylight  our  column  was  halted,  to  await 
until  the  other  attacking  columns  were  in  position.  After  forming 
Into  columns  of  divi.-ions,  we  again  moved  on.  As  soon  as  the  ene- 
oy'^  fire  opened,  General  Par.sons  sent  back  ior  atiother  guide,  those 
sent  with  bim  having  deserted  him.  I  sent  one,  and  the  one  who 
remained  with  me  shortly  after  left.  At  this  time  we  were  upon  the 
ridges,  three  in  number,  each  having  a  fort  upon  it  and  firing,  and  in 
appearance  were  exactly  alike.  Here  I  halted  for  a  short  time,  in 
douLt  as  to  the  route.  Finding  the  correct  route,  we  pushed  on  upon 
Ite  '.'rest  of  the  hill  to  where  the  timber  was  cleared  away  in  front  of 
the  rifle-pits,  and  then  crossed  to  the  north  side  of  the  ridge  and 
inovfd  up  to  a  position  that  I  thought  near  enough  to  make  a  charge ; 
but  between  my  position  and  the  work  that  was  to  be  carried  there 
vae  a  deep  ravine,  just  in  front  of  the  fort.  As  soon  as  the  command 
V'a&  massed  into  position,  a  general  rush  was  made  into  the  fort,  and 
the  works  were  carried.  This  assault  was  made  from  the  north.  The 
eneny  were  driven  from  the  works  and  pursued  into  the  verge  of  the 
town.  About  this  time  General  Parsons'  brigade  entered  into  the 
fort,  he  having  charged  about  the  same  time  as  my  brigade,  thus 
'  rendering  the  capture  of  the  position  certain ;  for,  had  our  assault 
failed,  he  would  have  been  so  close  that  we  could  not  have  failed. 
Here' I  would  state  that,  while  moving  along  the  north  side  of  Grave- 
jard  hill,  my  command  was  exposed  not  only  to  the  fire  of  the  fort 
lind  rifle  pita  in  front,  but  also  to  the  fort  north  of  Grave-yard  hill, 
which  fort  was  not  attacked,  and  to  whose  fire  my  command  wa» 
exposed.     While  moving  along,  I  discovered  a  battery  of  field-pieces 


21 

were  being  moved  to  the  rear,  so  as  to  completely  enfilade  ray  com- 
mand, and  being  in  point  blank  range  for  canister.  Before  mavchir^g 
I  had  armed  Captain  Marshall's  company  of  artillery  with  mu«keta, 
and  moved  it  along  in  rcur  of  my  column,  so  that,  in  the  evert  w« 
captured  the  fort,  I  ^vould  be  prepared  to  work  the  guns.  I  n<vw  was 
compelled  to  use  this  company  as  sharpshooters,  and  deployed  thovij, 
ordering  them  to  approach  a  a  close  as  possible  to  the  battery  and  pie- 
vent  it  getting  into  position,  which  they  accomplished  in  a  very 
gallant  manner.  As  soon  as  the  works  wore  carried,  I  at  once 
returned  to  where  I  had  deployed  Marshall's  company,  and  ordered 
Captain  Marshall  to  call  in  his  men  and  take  charge  of  the  gnus  and 
work  them.  While  giving  these  orders,  Lieutenant  General  IT  lines 
rode  up  and  ordered  me  at  once  to  the  assistance  of  General  F.ig an, 
who  was  attacking  the  fort  upon  the  south  of  Grave-yard  hi'l.  I  at 
once  went  to  the  fort  and  ordered  my  officers  to  assemble  their  men, 
but,  before  they  were  able  to  do  so.  General  Holmes  again,  in  a  pe- 
remptory manner,  ordered  me  to  the  assistance  of  General  I'\vg;in.  I 
had  not  more  than  two  hundred  men  with  me.  With  them  I  '•harged 
down  the  hill,  aiming  to  assault  the  north  front  of  the  fort,  but  wtien 
I  arrived  at  the  foot  of  the  hiil,  the  fire  of  the  enemy  was  so  wither- 
ing that,  with  the  foice  I  had,  it  was  madness  to  attempt  to  scale  tho 
hill,  the  hollow  being  raked  by  artillery  situated  opposite  its  mouth. 
and  completely,  enfiladed  with  rifle-pits,  in  point  blank  range.  I 
therefore  deployed  my  men,  and  commenced  firing  upon  the  ritle-pits 
and  Avorks,  which  were  being  attacked  by  General  Fagan,  aiming  to 
make  as  great  a  diversion  as  possible. 

I  remained  here  until  I  was  informed  that  the  enemy  had  retaken 
the  works  on  Grave-yard  hill,  when  I  sent  Captain  Cobbs,  of  II :irt*s 
regiment,  with  his  company,  to  General  Fagan,  and  to  inform  hira 
that  I  was  unable  to  attack  the  works  in  front,  being  now  exposed  to 
fire  in  rear,  as  well  as  flank'  I  crossed  over  the  narrow  ridge  in  front 
of  the  fort  attacked  by  General  Fagan,  and  the  fire  was  so  great  an'l 
severe  that  the  men  were  compelled  to  cross  this  ridge  singly.  When 
I  reached  the  crest  of  the  hill  I  discovered  General  Fagan's  men  in  a 
rifle-pit  in  front  of  the  main  works,  and  they  seemed  too  few,  cvftn 
reinforced  with  what  men  I  had,  to  accomplish  anything,  and  within 
a  short  time  1  saw  them  rush  out  of  the  rifle-pits  into  a  deep  gorge 
immediately  in  their  rear.  Discovering  the  enemy  moving  around 
the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  fearing  that  1  would  be  surrounded,  I  re- 
treated into  the  ravine  between  the  two  forts  attacked,  and 
re^organized  what  command  I  had  with  me,  and  then  moved  to  the 
rear,  forcing  every  straggler  thart  I  f'und  to  fall  into  the  ranks.  The 
first  field  officer  that  I  met  was  Colonel  Hawthorne,  at  some  hrfts 
where  some  of  General  Fagan's  wounded  were,  and  in  a  short  titfae 
General  Fagan  carne  up.  After  moving  a  short  distance  from  her^  I 
met  General  Holmes.  * 

I  must  here  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  information 
concerning  the  localities,  strength  of  the  enemy,  &c.,  was  vdvy 
erroneous.  The  ground  over  which  we  moved  was  almost  entirely 
iuipractieable  ;  the  creat  of  the  hill   so  narrow   that  it  would  have 


22 

been  murder  to  have  attempted  to  have  assaulted  along  it ;  the  sides 
of  the  hill  full  of  gullies,  with  almost  perpendicular  sides,  and  that 
covere  1  with  fallen  timber,  so  placed  as  most  to  impede  an  approach  ; 
the  daj  one  of  the  hottest;  our  column  not  only  exposed  to  a  storm 
of  shell,  but  for  a  long  way  (say  six  hundred  yards)  to  a  fire  of 
canister  and  grape,  front  and  flank,  as  well  as  from  sharpshooters  from 
'rifle-pits,  which  were  placed  by  the  enemy  to  protect  every  possible 
approach. 

Under  all  this,  I  am   proud   to   say  that  my   little  brigade  of  less 

than  three  regiments,  and  these  small,  moved  steadily,  without  falter- 

'ing,  upcn  the  foe,  protected  by  fortifications  and  artillery;  and  the 

^iiill,  up  v.hich  the  final  rush  was  made,  was  so  steep  and  slippery  that 

it  was  almost  impracticable.     For  all  that,  with   a  wild   shout   they 

rushed  up  it,  drove  the  concealed  enemy  from  his  position,  and  seized 

^fets  works. 

I  am  happy  and  proud  to  state  that  the  ofiicers  and  men  in  my 
brigade  did  their  whole  duty,  and  when  all  did  so  well  a  distinction  ia 
difficult.  As  for  my  field  officers — that  they  did  their  duty,  it  needs 
but  to  state  that,  of  nine  who  went  into  the  battle,  six  were  wounded, 
'two  mortally. 

Attention  is  called  to  the  gallant  conduct  of  Colonel  Hart,  who  led 
'Ills  meii  to  the  assault,  and,  when  in  the  fort,  seized  one  of  the  ene- 
my's guns  and  fired  it  against  them. 

Here    also    fell   mortally    wounded    Lieutenant    W.    F.    Rector, 
adjutant  ot  Hart's  regiment,  whose  gallantry  and  undaunted  bravery 
'  signally  distinguished  him  in  the  assault. 

Major  Davie,  gallantly  leading  his  men,  fell  shot  through  the  thigh 
in  front  of  the  fort. 

Captain  Robinson,  acting  major,  fell  mortally  wounded  in  front  of 
his  men. 

There  also  fell  mortally  wounded  the  brave,  the  zealous  Major 
Martin,  of  Hart's  regiment,  as  also  Major  Stephenson,  of  Gause's 
regiment.  There  also  fell  Captain  Garland,  of  Glenn's  regiment ; 
'Lieutenant  Eppes,  of  Gause's  regiment,  than  whom*  a  better  man  or 
braver  soldier  has  not  offered  up  his  life  during  the  war. 

Colonels  Glenn  and  Gause  and  Lieutenant  Colonels  Rogan  and 
Hicks  iaserve  special  mention  for  the  cool  and  daring  manner  ia 
which  they  led  their  men. 

Lieutenant  Crabtree,  of  Green's  regiment,  displayed  the  greatest 
intrepidity. 

Sergeant  Champ,  company  A,  of  Hart's  regiment,  deserves  the 
greatest  credit  for  gallantry,  rushing  in  advance  of  his  regiment  in 
the  charge. 

Color  Sergeant  Garland,  of  Glenn's  regiment,  also  deserves  special 
mention.     He  advanced  his  regimental  colors  to  the  front,  and  main- 
tained his  position  through  the  assault,  his  colors  being  torn  into 
ribbons. 

My  thanks  are  due  my  staff  for  efficient  aid  rendered  me  during 
the  action,  especially  to  Lieutenant  John  McKoy,  my  A,  A.  L  G. 

In  conclusion,  I  will  state  that  I  left    the  field  without  orders. 


23 

Having  been  ordered  by  General  Holmes  to  the  part  of  the  field  upon 
which  General  Fagan's  brigade  fought,  I  was  unable  to  communicate 
with  Major  General  Price,  but  when  he  left  all  effort  upon  our  part 
had  ceased.  My  loss  is  as  follows:  Killed,  forty  six  ;  wounded,  one 
hundred  and  sixty-eight;  missing,  one  hundred  and  thirty-throe; 
total,  three  hundred  and  forty-seven.  For  further  particulars  refer- 
ence is  made  to  list  sent  herewith,  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Kespectfully, 

D.  McRAE,  Brigadier  Gtnrral. 
Official: 

Thomas  L.  Snead,  Major  and  A.  A.  G. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  FAGAN. 

Headquarters  Second  Brigade,  &c.,      ^ 

Camp  at  Searcy,  Arkansas,  > 

July  21,  1863.      > 

Major  W.  B.  Blair,  A.  A.  A.  General: 

Headquarters  District  of  Arkc7isas,  ^c.  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  hcnor  to  report  as  follows,  in  regard  to  the 
part  taken  by  my  brigade  in  the  attack  on  Helena,  upon  the  4th  in- 
stant . 

On  the  evening  of  the  3d  instant,  at  dark,  I  ordered  Colonel 
Brooks,  with  his  regiment,  one  section  of  Etter's  battery  of  light  ar- 
tillery, commanded  by  Lieutenant  John  C.  Arnett,  and  three  compa- 
nies of  cavalry,  commanded  by  Captain  Denson,  to  move  to  the  front 
in  support  of  the  cavalry,  then  within  three  miles  of  the  town  of  He- 
lena. About  eleven  o'clock  at  night,  with  the  three  remaining  regi- 
ments, commanded  respectively  by  Colonels  King,  Hawthorne  and 
Bell,  ai.d  Blocker's  battery  of  light  artillery,  commanded  by  Captain 
W.  D.  Blocker,  I  moved  forwaid  on  the  road  towards  Helena.  On 
joining  Colonel  Brooks,  where  the  old  hill  road  leaves  the  Little  Rock 
road,  I  ordered  him  to  advance  at  once  with  his  command,  on  the  lat- 
ter road,  to  attract  and  engage  the  attention  of  the  enemy,  south  of 
the  town,  and  hold  his  forces  in  the  rifle-pits  on  the  river.  At  the 
same  time.  I  ordered  Col.  Hawthorne,  whose  regiment  was  in  advance, 
to  lead  the  brigade  forward  on  the  hill  road.  This  was  promptly  com- 
plied with,  and  the  brigade  moved  on  without  interruption,  until 
within  one  mile  of  the  outer  works  of  the  enemy.  At  this  point,  the 
road  was  completely  filled  with  felled  timber,  the  largest  forest  growth 
intermingling  and  overlapping  its  whole  length,  whilst  on  either  side 
prvcipitous  and  impassible  ravines  were  found  running  up  even  to  the 
very  entrenchments  of  the  enemy.  It  was  utterly  impossible  to 
move  my  artillery  or  ammunition  train  along  this  road  ;  the  obstacles 
were  so  great,  indeed,  that  I  was  under  the  necessity  of  directing 
every  officer  of  my  command  to  dismount,  and  proceed  on  foot — a  dire 
necessity,  which  subsequent  events  gave  occasion  seriously  to  deplore. 
After  crawling  through  the  interstices  of  the  closely  jutting  limbs 
and  boughs,  and  climbing  over  the  thickly  matted  timber,  for  one 
mile,  my  line  of  skirmishers,  who  had  been  ordered  by  me  not  to  fire, 
came  within  sight  of  the  enemy.  I  went  to  the  front,  and  could 
plainly  see  that  the  enemy  was  on  the  alert,  afld  evidently  expecting 
and  awaiting  an  attack.  The  order  of  the  Lieutenant  General  com- 
manding was  to  assault  the  fortifications  with  the  several  attacking 
columns,  precisely  at  daylight  on  the  morning  of  tho  4th.  Not  hav- 
ing been  apprised  of  the  obstructions  in  the  road,  I  had  made  no  ar- 
rangements to  i-emove  them.  The  limited  time  to  daylight  would  not 
allow  of  an  attempt  even  to  take  my  artillery  along.  It  was  ordered 
to  remain  in  the  road,  where  the  obstructions  were  first  met  with. 


25 

To  conform  to  orders,  it  was  necessary  for  ine  to  move  with  the  ut- 
most celerity.  Freeing  myself  of  everything  except  my  column  of 
infantry,  I  pushed  forward  with  all  the  haste  in  my  power. 

At  (daylight  I  reached  and  attacked  the  enemy  in  his  Avorks.  Col- 
onel Hawthorne  being  in  advance,  was  hurried  rapidly  into  lino  on 
the  right  of  the  road,  which  led  directly  up  to  the  fori  on  Ilindman's 
hill.  He  at  once  engaged  the  enemy,  who  occupied  their  extreme  or 
outer  line  of  rifle-pits.  Bell's  regiment  emerged  next  from  the  con- 
fused mass  cf  felled  limber,  and  coming  up,  was  also  double-"quickcd 
into  line  on  the  left  of  the  road,  engaging  as  they  came  into  position 
the  entrenched  forces  of  the  enemy,  over  against  them.  King's  re- 
giment brought  up  the  rear.  He  rapidly  threw  his  men  into  position, 
and  was  ordered  by  me  immediately  to  the  support  of  Colonel  Haw- 
thorne. My  entire  force  was  now  engaged.  The  assault  upon  the 
rifle-pits  was  made  from  both  the  right  and  left  of  the  road.  Never 
did  men  behave  with  greater  steadiness  and  gallantry  than  did  the 
troops  of  those  three  regiments.  Over  the  heavy  timber,  the  deep 
gorges,  and  the  precipitous  banks,  they  moved.  Over  opposite  to 
them  ran  the  long  line  of  fortifications,  towards  which  they  moved 
with  eager,  anxious  steps.  Cowering  behind  their  strong  works,  the 
enemy  beheld  their  advance  with  consternation.  Still  on  they  moved, 
unhesitatingly,  amid  the  '*  leaden  rain  and  iron  hail."  The  gorge  is 
passed,  the  ascent  of  the  steep  acclivity  is  nearly  gained,  the  red  lino 
of  rifle-pits  looms  up  clearly  amid  the  uncertain  light  and  haze  of 
dawn  With  a  shout  of  triumph  they  rush  towards  it,  and  the  enemy 
are  driven  pell  mell  from  one  row  of  the  rifle-pits  to  another.  Up  to* 
this  time  there  had  been  no  attack  at  any  other  point.  Daybreak  had 
come  and  gone,  and  still  the  guns  of  my  brigade  and  those  of  the  en- 
emy were  the  only  ones  that  interrupted  the  stillness  of  the  tnnrn- 
ing.  Owing  to  this  my  brigade  was  exposed  to  a  constant  and  galling 
enfilading  fire  from  the  works  on  Grave-yard  hill.  This  exposure, 
combined  with  the  close  and  constant  fire  in  our  front,  was  most  try- 
ing to  the  men.  Their  numbers  were  being  rapidly  decimated,  not 
only  by  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  but  by  extreme  exhanstion,  occasioned 
by  their  i-caling  the  steepest  of  hills,  made  almost  impassable  by  quan- 
tities of  timber  cut  down,  which  was  of  itself  an  almost  insurmount- 
able barrier  to  our  advance.  We  reached  and  took  possession  cf  the 
fourth  tier  of  rifle-pits.  Now  it  was  that  the  column  commanded  by 
Major  General  Price,  (Parson's  and  McRae's  brigades,)  cliarged  the 
works  on  Grave-yard  hill,  gallantly  driving  the  enemy  before  thera, 
and  taking  possession  of  their  fortifications  and  artillery.  There  re- 
mained yet  one  row  of  entrenchments  between  my  brigade  and  the 
fcrt  on  Ilindman's  hill.  I  ordered  a  charge.  My  men,  though  tho- 
roughly exhausted  and  worn,  answered  with  a  shout,  and  sprang  for- 
ward most  gallantly.  This  being  the  inner  and  last  line  of  works 
between  us  and  the  enemy,  of  course  was  defended  with  great  stub- 
bornness. It  was  of  no  avail.  My  men  sprang  forward  bravely  and 
defiantly,  and  after  a  severe  contest,  succeeded  in  driving  out  the  en- 
emy, who  fled,  crowding  back  into  the  frowning  fort,  and  unfler  cover 
of  its  heavy  guns.     The  fort  .yet  remains  to  be  taken.     Of  all  the 


26 

many  obstacles  and  threatening  fortifications  that  opposed  our  ad- 
vance that  morn,  there  only  remained  the  fort.  All  oilit-r  obstacles, 
natural  and  artificial,  had  been  overcome — rugged  and  almost  i-npas- 
sable  ravines — the  steepest  and  most  broken  hill  sides,  'batfis,  and 
line  after  line  of  breastworks,  had  been  passed  and  left  behind.  Be- 
fore us  there  only  remained  the  fort,  and  the  plain  on  which  it  was 
built.  Notwithstanding  the  reduced  condition  of  my  command  and  the 
exhaustion  of  those  yet  remaining,  I  ordered  a  chaigo  upon  the  fort. 
My  Colonel.-f,  King,  Hawthorne  and  Bell,  did  all  in  thei'-  power  to  en- 
courage the  men  to  the  attack.  The  effort  was  made,  but  the  pros- 
trate condition  of  my  command  prevented  success,  and  after  losing  in 
the  attempt  several  gallant  officers  and  many  brave  men,  I  formed 
again  in  rear  of  the  inner  line  of  rifle-pits,  whilst  the  guns  of  the  fort 
continued  to  pour  forth  a  furious  fire. 

It  w^as  now  verging  on  eleven  o'clock  in  the  day.  More  than  three 
hours  before,  the  guns  on  Grave-yard  hill  had  been  taken  by  our 
friends,  and  there  seemed  no  obstacle  in  the  way  of  their  victorious 
march.  Eagerly  did  we  look  to  see  their  column  coming  to  our  aid, 
and  at  first  with  the  most  undoubting  hope  and  confidence,  but  less 
confidently  as  hour  after  hour  wore  on,  and  still  they  made  not  their 
appearance.  Time  wore  on,  tho  pleasant  morning  deepened  into  the 
sultriest  and  hottest  of  days.  The  thinned  ranks  of  n^y  regimouts 
became  thinner  and  thinner  each  moment.  The  guns  of  the  enemy 
(not  more  than  one  hundred  or  one  hundred  and  fifty  v  ards  distant), 
were  telling  sadly  against  us,  whilst  the  heat,  the  want  of  water,  and 
the  toil,  were  no  mean  auxiliaries.  Still,  the  bnve  men  left  stood 
manfully  up  to  the  discharge  of  their  duty.  At  this  time,  written 
orders  were  received  from  Lieutenant  General  Holmes,  directing  that 
I  withdraw  my  troops  from  the  field,  and  fall  back  to  Allan  Polk's, 
(six  miles  in  the  rear.)  We  retired  from  the  field,  and  fell  back 
slowly  to  that  point.  It  was  in  the  last  assault  upon  the  fort  that 
Major  Cocke,  of  Hawthorne's  regiment,  received  a  severe  wound  in 
the  shoulder.  I  would  make  especial  mention  of  this  brave  and  ac- 
complished officer — his  daring  was  conspicuous  throughout  the  cu- 
gagement. 

Here,  also,  the  much  beloved  Captain  Walton  Watkins.  whilst  most 
gallantly  leading  his  company  over  the  enemy's  works  fell.  It  has 
never  been  my  lot  to  witness  more  gallantry  and  more  determined 
courage  than  displayed  by  this  young  officer  on  that  day.  We  mourn 
the  loss  of  other  brave  and  true  officers  who  fell  during  the  engage- 
ment. 

Of  the  conduct  of  my  colonels,  too  much  praise  cannot  be  said. 
Brooks,  King,  Hawthorne  and  Bell,  each  and  every  one,  did  his  whole 
duty.  Brooks'  command  being  on  the  lower  road,  was  not  immedi- 
ately under  my  eye,  but  of  the  part  taken  by  him  I  respectfully  refer 
you  to  his  report.  He  succeeded  entirely  in  carrying  out  the  orders 
he  received  to  the  letter.  His  report  will  show  the  number  of  pris- 
oners captured  by  him,  as  well  as  the  amount  of  property  taken  and 
brought  from  the  field  or  destroyed. 

The  position  assigned  to  Colonel   King  threw  him  perhaps  on  that 


27 

■ground  most  difficult  of  all  to  get  over.  Had  it  not  be'^n  for  the  de- 
termined character  of  this  hrave  young  colonel,  his  regiment,  per- 
haps, would  not  have  been  advanced  over  all  the  difficulties  he  met 
with. 

Major  Diilard  and  Adjutant  Bourne,  of  same  regiment,  (King's,) 
deserve  much  praise  for  the  assistance  they  rendered  Colonel  King. 

Colonel  Hawthorne  was  constantly  to  the  front,  cheering  his  men 
on  from  one  success  to  another.  When  orders  came  from  Lieutenant 
General  Holmes  to  abandon  the  field,  Colonel  Hawthorne  remained 
■with  a  small  number  of  his  men,  engaging  the  enemy,  until  tiie  last 
of  the  array  had  left  the  field,  and  retired  beyond  the  high  hills  which 
lay  between  them  and  danger. 

Colonel  Bell  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Johnson,  same  regiment,  with, 
a  large  number  of  his  officers  and  over  one  hundred  of  his  men,  v.ere- 
captured  by  the  enemy,  in  an  attempt  to  enter  the  fort  from  the  south 
side.  The  loss  of  Colonel  Bell  is  a  serious  one  to  us.  It  affords  me 
pleasure  to  bear  testimony  to  his  distinguished  gallantry  and  ilaring. 

Major  Blackwell,  (Bell's  regiment,)  was  entrusted  by  me  with  an 
important  part  on  the  field,  and  is  entitled  to  my  thanks  for  the  suc- 
cessful manner  in  which  he  performed  it. 

Major  B  T.  Duval,  quartermaster  on  my  staff,  is  entitled  to  my 
thank -t  for  his  constant  attention  to  every  duty  on  the  march  from 
Little  Rock.  He  was  with  me  on  the  fiehl,  and  by  his  coolness  and 
good  judgment,  was  enabled  to  render  me  important  assistance  up 
to  the  time  of  the  withdrawal  of  my  troops  from  the  field. 

Captain  Wyatt  C.  Thomas,  A.  A.  General  of  the  brigade,  was,  as 
usual  at  his  post.  The  conduct  of  this  young  officer  has  often  before 
won  for  him  "honorable  mention."  On  this  field,  he  was  constantly 
with,  and  cheering  the  troops  forward.  His  bravery  and  gallantry 
justify  especial  mention. 

My  A.  D.  C,  Captain  Albert  Belding,  always  eager  to  discharge 
every  duty,  was  pent  by  me,  at  daylight,  with  important  orders  to  Col- 
onel Brooks,  some  distance  fr  .m  me  on  my  right.  I  was  consequently 
deprived  of  the  valuable  assistance  his  quickness  and  daring  so  well 
qualify  him  to  render  on  the  field. 

Captain  John  B.  Howell,  my  ordnance  officer,  was  ordered  to  re- 
main constantly  with  his  ammunition  train,  which,  as  above  stated, 
had  to  be  left  in  the  rear.  This  deprived  me  of  the  immediate  ser- 
vices of  this  gallant  officer. 

The  officers  of  my  staff.  Major  B.  F.  Fall,  brigade  commissary, 
Mr  James  H.  Tucker,  volunteer  A.  D.  C,  and  Mr.  J.  W.  Paul,  act- 
ing Inspector  General,  are  all  entitled  to  my  thanks  for  the  assist- 
ance rendered  me  during  the  engagement. 

The  aggregate  force   engaged  against  Fort  Hindman   and  the  de- 
fences in  front  of  it,  was  thirteen  hundred  and  thirty-nine. 
1  have,  Major,  the  honor  to  be, 

With  much  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  F.  FAG  AN,  Brigadier  Gtncral. 

NoTK. — A  correct  list  of  the  casualties  in  the  brigade  will  bo  rendered  in  throe  or 
four  days.  F. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  KING. 

Headquarters  King's  Regfment  Arkansas  Infantry, 
Camp  at  Searcy,  July  22,  1863. 

Captain  Wyatt  C.  Thomas  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  part 
taken  by  my  regiment  in  the  late  battle  fought  at  Helena,  on  the  4th 
instant. 

On  the  night  of  the  3d  instant  I  took  up  the  line  of  march  at  eleven 
o'clock,  taking  the  road  leading  to  Helenii  ;  and  "when  within  about 
ten  miles  of  that  place,  I,  with  Colonels  Hawthorne  and  Bell,  led  by 
General  Fagan,  took  the  road  leading  into  town  by  the  way  of  Hind- 
man  hill.  When  arriving  within  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  of 
the  hill,  we  found  the  road  so  blockaded  by  fallen  limber  that  it  was 
impossible  for  anything  but  infantry  to  pass,  and  it  was  with  great 
difficulty  that  the  men  could  got  through  it  at  all.  By  the  time  I  got 
my  regiment  to  the  open  road,  skirmishing  commenced  by  Colonel 
Hawthorne,  who  was  moving  in  front.  I  immediately  moved  my 
regiment  up  at  a  double-quick,  arriving  at  the  scene  of  action 
about  day-light.  1  was  immediately  ordered  by  General  Fagan 
to  take  position  on  the  right  of  Colonel  Hawthorne,  who  had  form- 
ed line  of  battle,  and  was  skirmishing  with  the  enemy  in  the  rijle- 
pits,  which  were-  immediately  in  front  of  us.  I  moved  my  regi- 
ment as  ordered,  taking  position  on  the  crest  of  a  hill  overlook- 
ing the  town,  where  I  was  exposed  to  a  galling  fire  from  the  enemy's 
rifle-pits  or  breastworks,  which  were  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
in  front  of  us.  By  the  time  I  got  my  men  well  up  and  in  line,  I  re- 
ceived an  order  from  General  Fagan  to  charge  the  works  in  front  of 
me,  which  I  did  ;  but,  as  you  yourself  know,  the  ground  was  so  veri/ 
rough  that  it  was  impossible  to  move  rapidly.  After  scrambling  over 
and  under  the  fallen  timber,  across  a  ravine,  that  I  would  at  any  other 
time,  or  under  any  other  circumstances,  have  considered  impossible 
to  make  my  way  through,  and  at  last  up  the  side  of  a  hill  that  was  so 
steep  the  men  had  to  pull  themselves  up  by  the  bushes,  we  reached 
the  first  line  of  breastworks,  and  drove  the  enemy  back.  Here  we 
were  pact  with  a  terrific  fire,  not  only  from  the  inner  line  of  works 
and  an  enfilading  fire  from  our  left,  but  from  the  fort  on  the  hill  in 
front  of  us,  near  Hindman's  house,  which  was  about  two  hundred  yards 
distant  from  us,  and  also  from  the  battery  on  what  is  known  as  Grave- 
yard hill. 

In  this  position  we  kept  up  a  heavy  fire,  moving  forward  from  one 
line  of  works  to  another,  until  we  reached  the  inner  line  of  the  enemy, 
taking  refuge  in  their  forts.  I  then  received,  an  order  from  General 
Fagan  to  send  a  small  force  round  to  the  right  of  my  position,  to  see 
that  the  enemy  did  not  flank  us  ;  also;  to  move  my  regiment  to  the 
left,  where  I  jfound  Colonel  Hawthorne,  with  his  regiment  and  a  por- 
tion of  Colonel  Bell's,  behind  the  last  line  of  works, 'which  was  about 
one  hundred  yards  from  the  first  line.     Here  it  was  we  found  that  it 


29 

was  impossible  for  our  men  to  go  further.     Many  of  them  had  been 
left,  80  exhausted  that  they  could  not  go  on. 

While  in  this  situation,  General  Fagan  ordered  me  to  take  the  fort, 
but  the  men  were  so  exhausted  that  most  of  them  were  unfit  for  further 
service. 

We  remained  behind  the  breastworks,  keeping  up  a  steady  fire  at 
the  fort,  until  about  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  at  which  t^e  we  were 
ordered  off  the  field. 

I  cannot  speak  too  highly  of  the  most  of  my  officers  and  men 
throughout  the  fight,  particularly  of  the  gallant  Major  Dilla'rd  and 
Adjutant  Bourne,  who  were  in  every  charge,  and  cheering  the  men  on 
at  all  times. 

My  loss  was  as  follows :  Twelve  killed,  forty-six  wounded,  and 
twenty  missing. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  P.  KING, 
Colonel  commanding  regiment. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  BROOKS. 

■A 


Headquarters  Brooks'   Regiment, 
Camp  near  Cotton  Plant,  Ju'y    10,    1863. 


• 


Captain  Wva^t  C.  Thomas, 

Assistant  Adjidf/^nt  General  Second  Briznde  : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  following  as  the  part  taken 
by  my  command  in  the  engagement  of  the  4th  instant  at  Helena  ; 

At  dusk  on  the  3rd,  in  compli  nee  with  instructions  from  Brigadier 
General  Fagan,  I  moved  forward  with  my  regiment  and  one  s«'Ction 
of  Ettcr's  light  artillerv,  Lieutnnant  J.  C  Arn' tt  commanding,  to 
the  support  of  the  cavalry,  then  within  three  miles  of  the  enemy 

At  h:ilf-past  one  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  morning  of  the  4th.  I 
received  orders  from  Biigadier  (jrenernl  Kag^in  to  aiivance  on  tho 
Little  Rock    road    with    my    regim''nt.   Captains   Denson's,    Miller'si 

and companies  of  cavalry,  and  tho  section  of  artillery  ;  make 

a  feint  on  the  south  of  Helena  ;  attract  the  attention  cf  the  enemy 
in  that  direction,  hold  the  force  in  the  rifle-pits  south  of  the  town, 
and  operate  otherwise  as  I  could. 

Before  reaching  Beech  Grove  I  withdrew  the  cavalry  advance,  anii^ 
deploying  skirmishers,  met  the  enemy's  infantry  and  cavilry  pickets 
at  daybreak.  A  sharp  skirmish  ensued,  in  which  three  of  the  enemy 
were  killed  and  six  captured.  The  company  of  cavalry  in  position 
on  the  right  of  the  lin"  of  skirmishers  received  a  fire  which  killed 
three  horses.  Moving  forward  to  the  negro  quarters,  I  found  rheiu 
abandoned,  the  occupants  having  fled  to  the  town  at  the  fiist  alarm. 
Eight  n:5gVoes  were  taken  and  sent  io  the  rear.  Shortly  after wa-ds  1 
reached  the  hill  at  the  Clements  house,  and.  placing  my  commaml  in 
position,  advanced  skirinishera  well  to  the  front  and  right,  extending 
nearly  to  the  river.  The  enemy  soon  opened  with  a  rifled  battery 
from  the  left  of  the  rifle-pits  next  to  the  levee,  but  without  doing 
any  injnry.  Immediately  the  gunboat  commenced  firing,  one  shell 
exploding  in  Captain  Denson'.s  company,  wounding  three  men  an  I 
killing  three  horses.  Captain  Blocker  reported  to  me  with  his  battery, 
but  a  position  for  it  could  not  be  obtained.  I  moved  fitter's  section 
to  the  hill,  and  upon  gaining  the  summit  it  was  found  impracticable 
to  use  hut  one  piece.  This  opened  briskly,  drawing  a  terrific  fire 
from  the  battery  and  gunboat,  and  after  expending  thirteen  roun  Is 
Lieutenant  Arnett  was  compelled  to  withdraw  About  eleven  o'clock, 
I  ordered  Lieutenant  E.  T.  Delony  upon  the  hill  with  the  gun.  The 
range  of  the  enemy's  guns  was  so  accurate,  and  the  fire  so  furious, 
that  he  retired  after  firing  eight  rounds.  The  force  in  front  and  on 
the  right  was  fully  three  times  as  large  as  mine.  An  advance  to 
attack  the  enemy  in  the  rifle-pits  would  have  subjected  my  small 
command  to  the  heavy  ffuns  of  Fort  Curtis,  a  light  battery  in  rear  of 
the  works,  an  enfiladii^fire  fiom  the  rifled  battery,  and  an  attack  in 
flank  and  rear  from  the  levee.  Under  these  circumstances,  I  deemed 
it  best  to  hold  that  force  of  the  enemy  in  check,  and  prevent  him  from 


31 

reinforcing  his  most  important  points  of  defence,  and  by  the  use  of  a 
8ix  pounder  (not  being  able  to  bring  more  than  one  piece  into  posi- 
tion) divert  as  mach  as  possible  the  fire  of  the  battery  and  gunboat 
from  the  attacking  columns.     In  this  I  was  entirely  suocessful. 

At  twelve  o'clock,  M.,  I  received  orders  from  Brigadier  General 
Fag;in  to  retire,  and  subsequently  instructions  from  Lieutenant  Gen- 
eral Holmes  to  halt  at  a  designated  position,  as  the  rear  guard  of  the 
army.  By  my  direction  Captain  Denson's  company  applitd  the 
torch  to  the  negro  quarters,  which  were  consumed,  together  with  five 
thousaml  pounds  of  bacon,  fifteen  hundred  bushels  of  corn,  and  a 
quiintity  of  commissary  stores  and  clothing. 

During  the  entire  morning  the  demonstrations  of  the  enemy  bidiind 
the  levee  were  of  a  threatening  character.  Captain  Denson, 
commanding     caviilry    detachment,    rendered    efficient    service    in 

couiiteracriiig  his  movements  and   protecting  my   right  flank. 

,  of   his   company,  distinguished    himself    in    the   capture   of 

three  prisoners. 

I  brougtit  oft'  nine  prisoners,  eight  negroes,  five  mules,  one  horse 
and  equipments,  one  ambulance  and  team,  and  a  small  lot  of  cl  'thing 
and  canteens. 

Companies  li  and  K,  (skirmishers,)  commanded  respectively  by 
Captains  F.  R.  Eirle  and  Arkansas  Wilson,  deserve  especial  mention 
for  the  steadiness  with  which  they  advanced,  drove  the  enemy  before 
their.,  pnd  maintained   their  positions  under  a  heavy  artillery  tire. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Gunter  and  Major  Pettigrew  were  constantly 
at  their  posts  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  , 

The  only  casu;ilty  in  my  regiment  was  private  A.  C.  Peck,  com- 
pany B,  severely  wounded  in  the  chest. 

I  am,  Captain,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  H.  BROOKS, 
Colonel  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  BELL'S  REGIMENT. 

Camp  Bayou  DeVievv,  July  10,   1363. 
To  Captain  Thomas  : 

Captain:  I  have  the  honor  to  make  my  report  of  the  part  taken 
by  Bell's  regiment  in  the  engagement  of  the  4th  instant  at  Helena. 
We  moved  for  half  a  mile  at  double  quick,  passing  through  brush  and 
logs,  with  v/hich  the  read  was  blockaded,  and  approt^ched  in  view  of 
Helena  at  half-past  four  o'clock,  A.  M.,  taking  our  position  on  Colo- 
nel Hawthorne's  left  in  line  of  battle,  and  commenced  firing  on  the 
enemv  in  front.  The  enemy  threatened  to  flank  us  on  the  left,  when 
Captains  Hurley's  and  Donaldson's  companies  were  detached  and 
thrown  out  to  engage  him,  under  my  command,  to  protect  our  left 
flank.  The  regiment  then  advanced  over  the  first  hill.  Here  Cap- 
tains Pleasants  and  Smith  were  wounded,  and  many  men  killed  and 
wounded.  The  ground  at  this  point  was  almost  impassable,  and.  the 
whole  road  and  deep  ravine  full  of  timber,  over  which  I  scattered  my 
men,  and  it  was  impossible  to  keep  in  line  ;  but  we  succeeded  in  get- 
ting through,  after  remaining  in  the  timber  and  hollows  nearly  two 
hours  under  a  heavy  fire,  and  made  a  charge,  when,  the  enemy  giving 
way,  we  entered  the  rifle-pits.  Here  many  of  our  men  fell,  perfectly 
exhausted,  from  over-heat, 

'  ^t  this  point  the  firing  ceased  on  our  left,  indicating  that  our 
forces  had  been  called  off".  The  enemy,  seeing  our  condition,  rushed 
upon  and  surrounded  us,  and  compelled  many  of  our  officers  and  men 
to  surrender. 

The  detachment  under  my  command  advanced  over  two  ravines  and 
up  the  hill  fronting  and  nearest  to  the  entrenchments  and  fort.,  about 
three  hundred  paces  distant,  which  position  we  held  about  two  hours, 
keeping  up  a  constant  fire  until  the  ammunition  was  exhausted. 

About  that  time  Colonel  Hawthorne,  on  our  right,  ordered  a  charge 
on  the  entrenchments.  1  called  on  my  men  to  join  in  the  charge, 
which,  with  the  exception  of  Captain  Donaldson  and  part  of  his  com- 
pany, followed,  and  in  about  twenty  minutes  we  reached  the 
entrenchments,  where  I  remained,  awaiting  ammunition,  which  I  had 
sent  for,  until  I  was  ordered  to  fall  back. 

My  men,  with  few  exceptions,  acted  well.  I  will  mention  the 
names  of  Lieutenant  Porter  of  company  B,  Lieutenant  Thompson, 
Sergeant  Lowry  and  private  Dance,  of  company  A,  as  acting  with 
marked  bravery.  The  loss  of  the  detachment  was  two  killed,  six 
wounded,  and  thirty  missing.  The  regiment  entered  the  fight  with 
an  aggregate  of  four  hundred  and  thirty-two  ;  the  entire  loss  was 
two  hundred  and  seventeen. 

I  respectfully  submit  the  above  as  my  report  of  the  part  taken  by 
Bell's  regiment  in  the  engagement  of  the  4th  instant  at  Helena. 

T.  H.  BLACKNALL, 
Major  commanding  Bell's  regimmt. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  HAWTHORNE. 

Headquarters  Hawthorne's  Regiment,      > 
Camp  near  Bayou- De  Vuw,  July  9th,   18C3.  J 

Cftptain  W.  C.  Thomas,  A.  A.  General : 

•  Sir  :  In  obedience  to  orders  from  brigade  headquarters,  I  have  the 
honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  my  regiment  took  in 
the  action  at  Helena,  on  the  4th  instant  : 

At  eleven  o'clock,  P.  M.,  on  .the  night  of  the  3d,  \Te  left  our 
encampment,  six  miles  from  Helena,  and  marched  to  take  up  our  posi- 
tions in  front  of  the  entrenchments,  my  regiment  being  in  the 
advance.  The  road  over  which  we*passed  -(known  as  the  Hill  read, 
from  Little  Rock  to  Helena,)  was  extremely  rugged,  and  it  was  not 
without  considerable  difficulty,  and  great  fatigue  to  the  men,  that  we 
succeeded  in  getting  within  one  mile  of  the  enemy's  entrench- 
ments. At  this  point  I  found  the  road  blockaded  with  falkn  timber 
to  such  an  extent,  that  I  halted  the  brigade,  of  which  I  was  tempora- 
rily in  command,  sent  Captain  Jlillar's  company,  which  had  been  in 
advance,  to  the  rear,  and  sent  forward  Captain  P.  G.  Ropci's  com- 
pany, (A,)  deployed  as  rkirmifhers.  General  Fagan  now  arrived  at 
the  head  of  the  column,  and  ordering  all  the  field  and  staff  officers  to 
dismount,  we  moved  forward  as  rapidly  a.s  possible  towards  the 
entrenchments — the  pkirmishers  deployed  on  either  side  of  the  road, 
keeping  well  in  advance  of  the  main  body.  At  five  minutes  past  four 
o'clock,  A  M.,  my  skirmishers  reported  the  enemy  in  sight.  Bf  order 
of  General  Fagan  I  moved  ray  regiment  in  double-quick  by  the  right 
flunk,  along  the  crest  of  a  hill  running  at  right  angles  with  tiie  road, 
and  parallel  with  the  enemy's  first  line  of  entrenchments  ;  sind  with- 
out halting,  so  soon  as  my  left  had  passed  the  road,  I  moved  by  the 
left  flank  in  line  of  battle  towards  the  enemy.  Without  waiting  for 
the  o?hcr  regiments  of  the  brigade  to  form,  I  gave  the  order  to  charge, 
which  was  responded  to  by  loud  shouts  along  my  entire  lino.  The 
men  dashed  down  the  steep  declivity  amid  a  perfect  storm  of  bullets,  , 
climbed  step  by  step  over  vast  piles  of  fallen  timber,  up  the  rugged 
sides  of  almost  perpendicular  hills,  and  finally,  after  unheard  of  toil 
and  fatigue,  scaled  the  opposing  height  and  drove  the  enemy  in  con- 
sternation from  their  first  line  of  defences.  Here  I  waited  to  re. ruit 
my  men,  whof-e  strength  was  very  much  exhausted,  and  to  give  Colo- 
nel Bell  time  to  form  his  regiment  and  move  up  on  my  left.  As  soon  as 
Colonel  Bell  informed  me  that  he  Avas  ready,  our  two  regiments  moved 
forward  together,  and  after  encountering  and  overcoming  obstacles 
eimilar  to  and  even  greater  than  those  in  front  of  the  first  line  of  riflo* 
fits,  drove  the  enemy  out  and  took  possession  of  their  second  line. 
Colonel  King  had,  b^  order  of  General  Fagan,  under  a  heavy  and 
constant  fire,  and  after  almost  superhuman  exertions,  placed  his  regi- 
ment two  or  three  hundred  yards  beyond  my  extreme  right,  f)avt]y  in . 
rear  of  the  enemy's  third  line  of  entrenchments,  and  nearly  at  right 
3 


34 

angles  with  the  position  occupied  by  Colonel  Bell's  regiment  and  mine, 
I  sent  a  courier  to  commjinicate  \Tith  him,  who  returned  with  tbc  grat- 
ifying intelligence  that  his  regiment  was  in  position,  nnd  was  ready 
and  anxious  to  charge  the  enemy.  The  three  regiments  now  moved 
forward  with  a  shout,  and  notwithstanding  the  steep  hill-sidoa,  cov- 
ered with  immense  masses  of  fallen  timber,  up  and  over  which  we  had 
to  climb,  and  notwithstanding  the  perfect  hail  storm  of  bullets  which 
assailed  us  at  every  step,  we  soon  drove  the  enemy  out  of  his  third 
line  of  defence.  We  soon  rallied  our  exhausted  troops,  reformed  our 
broken  lines,  and  again  charged  the  enemy,  driving  him  from  his 
fourth  line  of  entrenchments.  It  was  now  about  seven  o'clock,  A. 
M.  My  regiment  had  been  hotly  engaged  for  nearly  three  hours. 
The  men  were  completely  exhausted.  Numbers  had  fainted  from 
•excessive  heat  and  fatigue.  Many  had  been  killed  and  wounded,  and 
a  large  majority  in  each  of  our  three  regiments  were  utterly  unable 
to  fight  any  longer.  We  began  to  be  discouraged.  From  the  rery 
commencement  of  the  action  we  had  been  listening  for  the  guns  of 
Generals  Price,  Marmakuke,  and  Walker,  but  thus  far  we  had  lis- 
tened in  vain.  Every  brigade  except  ours  had  failed  to  attack  at  day 
light,  as  ordered.  Even  the  very  guns  on  Grave-yard  hill  were 
wheeled  around,  and  directed  against  our  lines,  which  they  swept 
again  and  again  from  one  end  to  the  other  with  grape  and  canister. 

Just  at  this  moment  the  scene  changed.  Heavy  and  rapid  vollies 
of  musketry  were  heard  on  our  If  ft.  General  Fagan  announced  to 
us  that  our  friends  were  storming  Grave-yard  hill,  and  ordered  us  to 
move  forward  at  once  Our  men  responded  with  a  shout,  dashed 
down  into  the  deep  ravine,  climbed  the  steep  sides  of  the  opposite 
hill,  and  just  as  the  noble  brigades  of  Parsons  and  McBae  swept  in 
triumph  across  the  face  of  Grave-yard  hill,  drove  the  enemy  from  his 
fifth  and  last  line  of  rifle-pits  back  to  his  forts,  and  under  cover  of 
his  siege  guns.  An  attempt  was  now  made  by  General  F.igan  to  cap- 
ture the  fort  on  Hindman's  hill,  which  was  immediately  in  our  front. 
But  our  men  were  too  much  exhausted  and  our  numbers  too  few  The 
attack  was  unsuccessful,  and  resulted  in  the  death  and  capture  of 
many  valuable  oflBcers  and  men.  It  was  here  that  Captain  Walton 
Watkins,  commanding  company  D,  of  my  regiment,  was  killed,  while 
gallantly  leading  this  last  and  most  desperate  charge.  His  conduct 
throughout  the  engagement  had  been  chivalrous  and  manly,  so  much 
so  as  to  attract  universal  attention  and  admiration.  Here,  also,  I  lost 
the  services  of  Major  John  B  Cocke,  who  was  severely  wounded  and 
compelled  to  retire  from  the  fitld  It  affords  me  much  pleasure  to 
bear  testimony  to  the  coolnecs.  courage,  and  efiSciency  of  this  gallant 
oflScer.  His  services  throiighcut  that  desperate  fight  were  invaluable, 
and  his  absence  was  most  keenly  and  sensibly  felt.  Lieutenants  Rich- 
ard Shaddock,  Hinson,  Hainard,  and  Thompson  were  killed  while 
bravely  fighting  at  their  posts. 

But  to  return  to  the  fight:  Grave-yard  hill  was  evacuated  soon 
after  it  was  taken.  The  other  positions  to  the  left  of  that  hill,  that 
urere  to  have  been  taken  at  daylight,  had  not  even  been  attacked.  The 
firing  had  ceased  at  all  poiots  except  the  firing  of  our  brigade,  and 


35 

that  of  our  enemies  directed  against  us.  This  latter  was  now  most 
terrific,  and  the  whol«  force  of  the  eneoiy  seemed  to  be  directed 
against  our  little  band.  Yet,  notwithstanding  their  vast  superiority 
in  numbers  and  position  ;  notwithstanding  the  terrible,  withering  fire 
that  continued  to  pour  upon  us  from  their  own  ranks  ;  notwithstaLding 
the  repeated  attempts  of  the  enemy  to  flank  our  position,  both  on  the 
right  and  on  the  left,  we  held  our  position  firmly  for  three  long  hours. 

At  thirty  minutes  past  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  I  received  an  order  from 
General  Fagan  to  withdraw  my  regiment  from  the  field.  I  had  marched 
some  forty  or  fifty  paces,  in  compliance  with  this  order,  when  I 
received  another  requiring  me  to  leave  a  small  guard  to  cover  my 
retreat.  I  called  for  volunteers,  but  no  one  responding,  I  returned 
myself,  and  with  nine  men  who  volunteered  to  accompany  me,  kept 
up  a  fire  upon  the  enemy  for  twenty  minutes  longer.  The  ammuni- 
tion was  now  expended  and  I  thought  it  prudent  to  retire.  Tho 
enemy  were  close  upon  us  and  advancing  from  all  points.  Not  a 
moment  was  to  be  lost.  We  retreated  as  rapidly  as  possible,  bat  as  wo 
deicended  the  first  hill,  the  enemy  assailed  us  with  a  terrible  volley 
of  musketry.  Three  of  our  little  party  fell  to  rise  no  more.  The 
remaining  six,  myself,  and  a  Yankee  prisoner,  whom  we  had  kept 
with  us  all  the  time,  succeeded  in  making  our  escape. 

My  oflltfcers  and  men,  with  but  few  exceptions,  deported  themselves 
with  great  gallantry. 

My  loss,  so  far  as  I  have  been   able   to  ascertain,  is  as  follows  : 
Killed,  twenty  ;  wounded,  seventy  ;  missing,  forty-three. 
Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

A.  T.  HAWTHORNE, 
Colonel  commanding  fegiment. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  MARMADUKE. 


Headquarters  Marmaduke's  Division, 
Jacksonport,  Arkansas,  July  25,  1863. 


To  Major  W.  B.  Blair,  A.  A.  A.  General,  ' 

District  of  Arkansas : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  herewith  the  part  taken  by  my 
command  in  the  battle  at  Helena. 

I  was  ordered  on  the  evening  of  the  3rd  of  July,  to  be  in  position, 
attack  and  take  the  fort  on  Reiter's  hill,  at  daylight  on  the  morning 
of  the  4th  July. 

My  command,  mounted,  consisted  of  Shelby's  brigade,  about  one 
thousand  one  hundred  men,  and  Greene's  brigade,  six  hundred  and 
fifty  men,  total  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  fifty  men. 

At  ten  o'clock,  P.  M.,  July  3rd,  I  marched  to  get  into  position; 
when  three  miles  from  the  fort  I  dismounted  my  whole  force  except 
one  company  under  Major  Elliott.  I  then  moved  forward.  When 
within  two  miles  of  the  fort,  I  found  the  road  and  country  thoroughly 
obstructed,  the  enemy  having  chopped  down  the  trees  and  rendered 
almost  impassable  that  approach  to  the  fort  and  town.  The  country 
was  exceedingly  rough. 

I  was  delayed  some  half  hour  or  more  by  my  guides,  who  lost  their 
way,  and  reported  that  they  were  completely  lost  and  unable  to  guide 
ucie  farther  ;  in  consequence  of  \vhich  I  did  not  get  into  position  until 
a  little  after  daylight,  but  before  sunrise. 

The  enemy's  pickets  and  skirmishers  were  encountered  some  three 
quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  fort,  and  driven  to  within  one  hundred 
ftnd  fifty  yards  of  the  fort.  In  this  the  enemy  lost  several  killed, 
wounded,  and  five  prisoners. 

Shelby's  brigade  was  in  the  advance,  and  so  narrow  was  the  road, 
and  so  rough  and  rugged  were  the  hills,  that  the  troops  could  only 
march  by  the  flank,  and  the  artillery  with  great  diflSculty  was  brought 
lip  piece  by  piece  and  by  hand. 

By  the  time  the  advance  had  reached  within  two  hundred  yards  of 
the  fort,  and  those  in  rear  bi-ought  up  and  deployed  along  the  ridges, 
the  enemy  had  brought  to  my  left  and  rear  a  body  of  infantry  and 
several  pieces  of  artillery,  which  during  the  whole  day's  fight,  poured 
upon  me  a  deadly  fire. 

I  now  had  a  heavy  force  in  my  front,  ( infantry  in  rifle-pits  and 
artillery  in  position,)  which  it  would  have  been  dfl5cult  with  my  whole 
force  to  have  carried.  In  addition,  I  had  the  forces  on  my  left  (of  in- 
fantry and  artillery)  thoroughly  protected  by  the  levee,  which  engaged 
a  large  part  of  my  force,  and  on  every  attempt  to  advance  enfihided 
my  line.  It  was  from  the  sharpshooters  and  artillery  on  my  left  and 
rear  that  I  suffered  my  greatest  loss,  and  not  until  they  were  dis- 
lodged could  I  have   advanced.     I   twice   dispatched  to   Brigadier 


37 

General  Walker  to  advance  and  assist  me  in  dislodging   thera.     It 
was  not  done. 

From  half  past  four,  A.  M.,  till  eleven,  A.  M.,  I  held  my  position, 
unable  to  advance;  the  enemy  with  their  infantry  and  artillery  on  my 
front  and  left  flank  constantly  engaging  my  forces.  At  eleven,  A.  M., 
I  received  orders  from  General  Holmes  to  retire. 

My  loss  was  fourteen  killed,  fifty-two  wounded,  one  missing. 
Among  the  killed  were  Major  R.  II.  Smith,  my  division  quartermaster, 
and  Captain  J.  C.  Clark,  of  company  D,  Shelby's  regiment.  Major 
Smith  was  a  gallant  and  valuable  officer  ;  he  was  shot  dead  beside  a 
piece  of  artillery,  encouraging  and  assisting  the  canonniers  in  their 
duties.  Captain  Clark  was  a  most  exemplary  man  and  excellent  offi- 
cer ;  he  was  killed  leading  his  men  forward. 

Amongst  the  wounded,  I  regret  to  announce  that  Colonel  Shelby, 
commanding  brigade,  who  was  ever  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  re- 
ceived a  painful  and  serious  wound  in  the  wrist 

For  a  more  special  report  of  the  conduct  of  the  sPveral  regiments 
and  their  officers,  I  respectfully  refer  you  to  the  brigade  commander. 

As  yet  I  have  not  received  the  report  for  Shelby's  brigade — will 
forward  it  as  soon  as  received — have  delayed  this  report  awaiting 
same.  The  conduct  of  every  officer  and  soldier  of  my  command,  as 
far  as  I  know,  was  excellent. 

The  attack  upon  Fort  Reiter,  by  my  command,  was  a  failure.  I 
have  every  reason  to  believe  that  my  troops  would  have  carried  it,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  force  on  ray  left  and  rear,  which  occupied  that 
position  after  daylight,  and  which  could  and  should  have  been  pre- 
vented from  taking  that  position,  and  after  they  had  gained  the  posi- 
tion, could  have  been  driven  from  it  by  General  Walker's  brigade, 
which  did  not  come  to  the  support  of  ray  left  till  after  seven  o'clock, 
A.  M  ,  and  during  the  whole  engagement  his  force  was  more  than  half 
a  mile  to  my  left  and  rear.  I  could  see  the  force  which  engaged 
Walker's  brigade,  and  at  no  time  did  it  exceed  five  hundred ;  I  think 
three  hundred  a  big  estimate.  Walker's  brigade  not  or.ly  did  not  pre- 
vent reinforcements  from  going  to  Fort  Reiter,  but  the  enemy,  after 
eunrisc,  actually  passed  to  my  left,  and  half  a  mile  to  my  rear,  ani 
held  that  position  during  the  day. 

Very  respectfully, 

J.  MARMADUKE, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  WALKER. 

Headquarters  in  the  Field, 
Camp  near  Lick  Creek,  July  7,  1863 


I 


Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
conduct  of  my  cavalry  brigade,  in  the  battle  before  Helena,  on  the 
4th  instant. 

In  obedience  to  general  orders  No.  2, 1  moved  my  command  towards 
Helena,  on  Sterling's  road.  Arriving  at  the  blockade  before  daylight 
I  dismounted  and  sent  forward  three  companies,  attempting  to  capture 
the  enemy's  pickets  in  that  direction.  At  daylight,  I  sent  forward 
three  more  companies  dismounted,  and  commenced  the  work  for  re- 
moving obstacles  in  the  blockade,  for  the  passage  of  artillery.  My 
advance  soon  became  engaged  with  the  enemy.  Reinforcing  my  ad- 
vance, and  forwarding  and  bringing  into  action  my  artillery,  I  was 
continually  engaged  until  nearly  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  I  effec- 
tually complied  with  the  part  assigned  me  in  the  order  of  attack,  by 
preventing^the  enemy  from  -  throwing  troops  to  Reiter's  hill,  which 
they  were  constantly  trying  to  do,  and  made  two  strong  efforts  and 
>were  repulsed.  I  protected  General  Marmaduke's  left  flank.  My 
command  was  engaged  in  front  of  his  left.  At  about  two  o'clock,  I 
was  informed  by  General  Marmaduke,  that  he  had  already  withdrawn 
his  command.  I  had  hard  fighting  to  protect  my  left  flank,  and  when 
my  right  became  exposed  I  commenced  getting  loose  from  the  enemy, 
and  retired. 

I  must  speak  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  ofilcers  and  men  of  my 
command  upon  the  occasion — no  straggling  in  reaching  the  place  as- 
signed them,  although  accompanied  by  apparent  insurmountable  diffi- 
culties, resisted  successfully  the  enemy,  and  twice  drove  him  away 
handsomely.  I  send  herewith  reports  of  Colonels  Dobbins  and 
Nev/ton. 

I  am  Major,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

L.  M.  WALKER, 
Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  DOBBINS. 

In  the  Field,  July  5th,  1863. 
Brigadier  General  Walker  : 

General  :  I  respecfully  submit  the  following  report  of  the  move- 
ments of  my  regiment  on  the  4th  ultimo: 

According  to  your  order,  I  moved  my  regiment  and  battery  of  four 
pieces,  on  the  evening  of  the  3d,  from  the  Bowie  farm,  on  the  Little 
Rock  road,  four  miles  west  of  Helena,  to  t\e  old  Porter  farm,  efcst  of 
Crawler's  ridge,  on  the  road  leading  from  Helena  to  Sterling,  a  dis- 
tance of  about  fifteen  miles,  and  remained  at  that  place  until  two 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  4th,  then  moved  down  the  road  to  a 
point  where  the  mill  road  intersects  the  Sterling  road,  one  and  a  half 
miles  {north ,  of  Helena,  where  I  dismounted  one  hundred  and  fifty 
men,  and  sent  them  forward  as  skirmishers,  beyond  the  blockade,  to 
within  three-quarters  of  a  mile  of  Helena,  and  a  short  distance  above 
the  levee  leading  out  from  the  hills.  I  then  dismounted  one  hundred 
and  fifty  more  men,  and  sent  them  forward  to  the  same  point,  and  ex- 
tended the  line  of  skirmishers  from  the  hills  to  the  Mississippi  river. 
I  then  drew  up  the  remainder  of  the  regiment  in  line  of  battle  north 
of  the  blockade,  about  four  hundred  yards  in  the  rear  of  the  line  of 
skirmishers,  and  there  awaited  to  learn  the  result  of  the  attack  made 
by  General  Marraaduke  upon  the  battery  and  fortifications  on  Reiter 
hill,  and,  not  learning  anything  definite,  and  discovering  the  enemy 
moving  up  between  the  levee  and  Mississippi  river,  I  moved  my  bat- 
tery forward  according  to  your  order,  and  commericed  firing  on  the 
enemy  advancing,  and  also  the  enemy's  batteries  playing  upon  (rene- 
ral  Marmaduke's  command  and  my  front.  I  then  advanced,  causing 
the  enemy  to  fall  back,  moving  their  battery  some  six  hundred  yards 
further  down  the  levee.  About  two  hours  after  the  enemy  again  ad- 
vanced with  artillery,  and  in  much  larger  force  than  at  first.  I  again 
opened  fire  on  them  with  my  battery  and  sraalll  arms,  and,  with  the 
assistance  of  a  portion  of  Colonel  Newton's  regiment,  again  caused 
them  to  fall  back,  and  move  their  battery  still  further  down  the  lovee  ; 
after  which  skirmishing  was  kept  up  until  some  three  hours  after  the 
firing  had  ceased  along  our  entire  line,  at  which  time  I  received  your 
order  to  fall  back  slowly  on  the  Grant  mill  road,  which  I  succeeded 
in  doing  without  losing  any  men  after  I  left  the  battle-field. 

The  loss  in  my  regiment  in  the  engagement  was  four  killed  and 
eight  wounded — one  mortally,  two  seriously,  and  five  slightly.  For 
particulars  I  refer  you  to  Dr.  Dunn,  surgeon  of  my  regiment,  here- 
with enclosed. 

The  officers  and  men  of  my  regiment  an<l  battery  deserve  great 
credit  for  gallantry  and  courage  displayed  on  that  day. 

Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

ARCIL  S.  DOBBINS, 
Colonel  Commanding  regiment  cavalry. 


\ 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  NEWTON. 

Headquarters  Newton's  Regiment  Arkansas  Cavalry, 
Camp  at  Gisfs^  Phillips  county,  Arkansas,  July  8,   1863. 

Captain  J.  C.  Alexander, 

A.  A.   G.    Walker's  Division,  Sfc,  in  the  field  : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor,  in  obedience  to  your  instructions  of 
to-d|^,  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  my  regi- 
.mcnt  in  the  attack  on  Helena  on  the  4th  instant :  '' 

I  reached  Mrs.  Moonley's  and  halted  there  about  twelve  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  on  3rd  instant.  About  an  hour  before  day  on  the  morning  of 
the  4th,  in  obedience  to  an  order  from  the  Brigadier  General  com- 
manding, I  resumed  the  march,  taking  the  Sterling  road  towards 
Helena,  moving  in  rear  of  Colonel-  Dobbins'  regiment.  Arriving  at 
the  spring,  about  a  mile  from  town,  the  brigade  was  halted  by  Gene- 
ral Wallier.  We  remained  there  until  the  firing  commenced  to  our 
•right,  .when  I  was  ordered  up  to  a  point  near  the  blockade  of  felled 
timber,  there  to  await  orders. 

About  seven  o'clock  I  received  an  order  to  send  thirty  sharp- 
shooters to  the  support  of  Colonel  Dobbins'  regiment,  who  were 
deployed  to  our  front,  beyond  the  blockade  and  to  the  left  of  the 
skirmishers,  from  General  Marmaduke's  command.  I  detailed  the 
required  number  from  the  different  companies,  selecting  men  with 
long  range  guns,  as  far  as  practicable,  placed  them  under  command  of 
Lieutenant  Barnes,  of  company  A,  and  carried  them  forward  to  the 
left  of  Dobbins'  skirmishers  and  beyond  the  lagoon,  (which,  starting 
from  near  the  base  of  the  levee,  on  the  north  side  of  Helena,  runs 
eastward  to  Porter's  lake,)  where  they  were  soon  engaged  with  the 
enemy,  and  did  good  service. 

At  half-past  seven,  by  order  of  General  Walker,  I  detached  com- 
panies B  and  G,  under  command  of  Captain  Portis,  of  the  former, 
and  deployed  them  as  skirmishers  to  support  Barnes'  sharpshooters, 
and  resist  a  small  force  of  Federal  cavalry  which  was  reported  to  be 
threatening  our  extreme  left.  About  eight  o'clock  Portis  reported  to 
me  that  the  enemy  had  reinforced  in  his  front,  that  he  was  being 
pressed,  and  needed  two  more  companies.  I  immediately  communi- 
cated the  information  to  General  Walker,  and,  by  his  direction, 
instructed  Portis  to  observe  the  enemy  closely,  skirmish  with  him, 
and,  if  too  heavily  pressed,  fall  back  slowly,  advising  me  from  time 
to  time  of  what  was  transpiring. 

About  this  time  I  received  an  order  to  send  forward  another  com- 
pany to  support  Dobbins'  skirmishers,  which  I  obeyed  by  sending 
Captain  Rolland's  company  E,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Garner. 

Learning  that  the  enemy  had  made  several  attempts  to  force  Portis 
back  and  gain  possession  of  the  west  bank  of  Porter's  lake,  which 
would  enable  him,  by  means  of  his  sharpshooters,  to  annoy  the  rear 
at  our  battery  posted  on  the  hill  in  front  of  the  blockade,  and,  perhaps, 


41 

finally  force  us  from  the  hill  altogether,  I  went  in  person  to  where 
Portis  was  to  learn  the  true  condition  of  affairs  and  ascertain  what, 
if  anything,  could  be  done.  I  found  that  Portis,  with  his  small  force, 
had  made  a  gallant  resistance,  and  had  thus  far  foiled  the  enemy  in 
his  several  attempts  to  occupy  the  western  or  inner  bank  of  Porter's 
lake ;  but  that  he,  nevertheless,  had  lost  some  ground,  and  had  but 
little  more  to  lose.  I  deemed  it  important,  therefore,  not  only  to 
regain  what  had  been  lost,  but  to  drive  the  enemy  beyond  the  levee 
and  into  town,  if  possible,  with  my  small  force.  There  not  being 
time  left  me  to  previously  communicate  with  General  Walker,  I 
ordered  up  companies  C  and  F  Avithout  first  notifying  him^  The 
latter  I  deployed  as  skirmishers  and  advanced  to  the  front.  They 
were  eoon  engaged.  I  moved  company  C  forward  across  the  lagoon 
before  mentioned,  and,  pursuing  the  skirmishers  to  t^e  front  vigor- 
ously, ordered  a  charge.  The  enemy  fled  precipitately.  We  pursued 
him  about  three  hundred  yards.  Finding  that  he  was  rallying  his 
men  in  his  rifle-pits,  which  were  situated  to  the  left  of  the  levee  and 
near  the  river  bank,  I  deployed  my  whole  force  then  with  me  as 
skirmi-hers,  posted  them  as  best  I  could,  and  left  them  under  com- 
mand of  Captain  Portis,  with  instructions  to  hold  the  ground  we  had 
thus  gained,  until  he  should  receive  other  orders  from  me.  I  started 
to  the  headquarters  of  the  Brigadier  General  commanding  to  get  per- 
mission to  use  my  whole  regiment  for  the  purpose  of  dislodging  the 
enemy,  or.  failing  in  that,  confining  him  to  his  rifle-pits,  and  thus 
prevent  him  from  annoying  our  left.  Arriving  there,  I  learned  that 
our  troops  were  withdrawing,  and,  by  General  Walker's  direction, 
retired  my  command  to  the  point  where  the  mountain  road,  leading 
from  the  spring  on  the  Sterling  road  to  the  Grant's  mill  road,  diverges 
from  the  Sterling  road,  arid  there  disposed  my  forces  so  as  to  cover 
the  withdrawal  of  our  troopii.  When  the  rear  of  Dobbins'  regiment 
had  passed,  I  moved  back  on  the  mountain  road,  as  directed,  and 
thence  upon  Grant's  mill  road. 

I  enclose  herewith  a  list  of  casualties.  The  ofiicers  and  men  en- 
gaged behaved  in  admirable  style.  CE^ptains  Portis  and  Bryant, 
commanding  skirmishers,  did  their  duty  well.  Lieut.  Barnes,  who, 
with  his  thirty  sharpshooters,  was  almost  constantly  engaged,  here,  as 
everywhere  else  that  I  have  ever  placed  him,  was  prompt  and  fiithful, 
and  displayed  great  courage.  Lieutenant  Smith,  adjutant  of  th 
regiment,  brave  to  a  fault,  and  seeking  rather  than  avoiding  danger 
rendered  much  valuable  service.  And  as  were  the  oflBcers,  so  were 
the  private  soldiers  whom  they  led,  fearless  of  danger,  each  seeming 
intent  solely  on  doing  his  duty  well. 

I  am,  Captain,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

B.   C.   NEWTON,  Colonel  commanding. 


BATTLE  OF  BRISTOE  STATION. 


REPOllT  OF  GENERAL  A.  P  HILL. 


Headquarters  Third  Army  Corps,  > 
October  26,  1863.      S 
Colonel  R.  H.  Chilton, 

A.  A.  mnd  I.  General,  Army  Northern  Virginia : 

Colonel:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  on  the  tnorning  of  the 
14th  instant,  I  left  my  camp,  one  mile  distant  from  Warrenton,  on  the 
Amissville  turnpike,  at  five  o'clock,  A.  M,,  and,  in  obedience  to  or- 
ders from  the  General  commanding,  '*  took  the  Warrenton  and  Alexan- 
dria turnpike,  until  reaching  Broad  run  church,  then  to  take  the  road 
by  Greenwich  and 'on  to  Bristoe  station."  Upon  arriving  at  Broad 
run  church,  information  reached  me  from  various  sources,  that  the 
enemy  were  moving  by  a  road  leading  from  Greenwich  to  the  Warren- 
ton and  Alexandria  pike,  and  coming  into  it  a  mile  below  Buckland. 
The  rumbling  of  wagons,  which  could  be  distinctly  heard,  led  me  to 
place  reliance  in  these  reports. 

General  Anderson  was  directed  to  take  his  division  down  the  turn- 
pike towards  Buckland,  and,  if  possible,  to  strike  the  column  at  the 
point  where  it  came  into  the  pike.  If  nothing  could  be  accomplished 
there,  to  turn  off  and  rejoin  me  at  Greenwich.  In  the  meantime,  I 
moved  on  the  road  to  Greenwich  with  Ileth's  and  Wilcox's  divisions, 
leaving  one  battery  and  Scales'  brigade  at  Buckland,  to  guard  the 
train  which  had  been  directed  to  halt  there.  General  Anderson,  ift 
the  execution  of  my  orders,  found  the  force  referred  to  to  be  of  cav- 
alry, having  already  disappeared,  and  that  Major  General  Fitzhugh 
Lee  had  come  up  with  his  cavalry,  on  my  left  flank  ;  Col.  Rosser,  of  his 
advance,  having  skirmished  with  the  enemy,  and  driven  them  back, 
rejoined  me  at  Greenwich,  following  Ileth's  division.  From  this 
point  to  Bristoe,  we  followed  close  upon  the  rear  of  th'i  third  cor^s, 
picking  up  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  stragglers.  Upon  reaching 
the  hills  this  side  of  Broad  run,  and  overlooking  the  plain  on  the 
north  side,  the  third  corps  was  discovered  resting,  a  portion  of  it  just 
commencing  the   march    towards    Manassas.     I   determined   that  no 


44 

time  must  be  lost,  and  hurried  up  Heth's  division,  forming  it  in  line 
of  battle  along  the  crest  of  the  hills,  and  parallel  to  Broad  run. 
Poague'a  battalion  was  brought  to  the  front  and  directed  to  open  on 
the  enemj.  They  were  evidently  taken  completely  by  surprise,  and 
retired  in  the  utmost  confusion.  Seeing  this,  General  Heth  was  di- 
rected to  advance  his  line  until  reaching  the  rear,  and  then  to  move 
by  the  left  flank,  cross  at  the  ford,  and  press  the  enemy.  This  order 
*was  being  promptly  obeyed,  when  I  perceived  the  enemy's  skirmish- 
ers making  their  appearance  on  this  side  of  Broad  run,  and  on  the 
right  and  rear  of  Ileth's  division.  Word  was  sent  to  General  Cooke 
(commanding  the  right  brigade  of  Heth's  division,)  to  look  out  for 
his  right  flank,  and  he  very  promptly  changed  the  front  of  one  of  hia 
regiments,  and  drove  the  enemy  bark.  In  the  meantime,  I  sent  back 
to  General  Anderson  to  send  Mcintosh's  battalion  to  the  front,  and 
to  take  two  brigades  to  the  position  threatened,  and  protect  the  right 
flank  of  Heth.  The  head  of  Anderson's  column  appearing,  Heth 
was  now  ordered  to  advance  again,  and  carry  out  the  original  order. 
Davis'  brigade,  of  Heth's  division,  had  been  detached  as  a  support  to 
Poague's  battalion.  The  three  brigades,  Cooke's,  Kirkland's  and 
Walker's,  advanced  in  beautiful  order,  and  quite  steadily.  Cooke's 
brigade,  upon  reaching  the  crest  of  the  hill  in  their  front,  came  within 
full  view  of  the  enemy's  line  of  battle  behind  the  railroad  embank- 
ment, the  second  corps,  and  of  whose  presence  I  was  unaware.  The 
position  was  an  exceedingly  strong  one,  and  covered  by  the  direct  and 
enfilading  fire  of  batteries  on  the  rising  ground  in  rear.  A  portion 
of  Cooke's  brigade  became  hotly  engaged,  and  of  course  it  became 
impossible  to  execute  his  original  order  to  move  by  the  left  flank. 
Kirkland,  finding  Cooke  engaged,  also  swung  around  his  left,  and 
gallantly  charged  to  Cooke's  assistance.  Mcintosh's  battalion  had 
before  this,  been  ordered  by  me  to  take  a  position  overlo  )king  the 
railroad  and  station,  and  in  rear  of  Coke's  left.  Poague's  battalion 
was  ordered  to  take  another  position,  and  open  fire  on  the  battery 
which  was  enfilading  Kirkland's  line.  This  was  not  done  as  quickly 
as  I  expected,  and  Kirkland's  line  was  exposed  to  a  very  deliberate 
and  destructive  fire.  Nevertheless  it  continued  to  advance,  and 
gained  the  railroad,  clearing  it  for  a  time  of  the  enemy.  About  this 
time,  Generals  Cooke  and  Kirkland  were  both  wounded,  and  their 
fall  at  this  critical  moment  had  a  serious  influence  upon  the  fortunes 
of  the  combat.  Their  men  were  unable  to  stand  the  heavy  fire  which 
"was  poured  upon  them,  and  commenced  giving  back,  the  three  right 
regiments  of  Cooke's  brigade  in  good  order.  Walker  had  crossed 
Broad  run  in  pursuance  of  the  original  order.  Anderson  had  been 
Bent  to  the  right  to  look  out  for  the  threatened  right  flank,  and  no 
support  was  immediately  available,  Wilcox's  division  not  having  yet 
come  up.  The  infantry  falling  back,  (the  left  of  Cooke's  brigade) 
passed  through  Mcintosh's  guns,  and  the  enemy  pressing  on,  the 
guns,  five  in  number,  were  immediately  seized  and  ran  down  the  hill, 
under  the  protection  of  the  enemy's  artillery  and  line  of  battle. 
General  Walker,  upon  being  informed  of  the  perilous  conditiop  of 
the  guns,  immediately  sent  forward  a  regiment,  and  drove  off  the  en- 


45 

emy,  but  the  guns  had  disappeared.  Dark  came  upon  us  before  nevf 
dippositions  could  be  made  to  attack,  and  during  the  night  the  enemy 
retreated. 

Brig.  General  Posey  was  seriously  wounded  by  a  shell  in  the  early 
part  of  the  action.  In  conclusion,  I  am  convinced  that  I  made  the 
attack  too  hastily,  and  at  the  same  time  that,  a  delay  of  half  an  hour 
and  there  would  have  b^en  no  enemy  to  attack.  In  that  event,  I 
should  equally  have  blamed  myself  tor  not  attacking  at  once. 
I  enclose  my  official  report  of  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfuUr,  your  obedient  eervant, 

A.  P.  HILL, 
Lieutenant  General  commending  third  corps. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  HETH. 

Headquarters  Heth's  Division, 
October  24,  1863. 
Captain  W.  N.  Starke,  » 

A.  A.  G.,  third  army  corps  : 
Captain  :  ITiave  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  my  division  on  the  14th  instant : 

The  division  moved  from  camp  near  Warrenton  at  half  past  five 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  14th  instant,  following  General  Anderson's  di- 
vision. When  within  a  mile  of  New  Baltimore,  orders  were  received 
to  pass  General  Anderson's  artillery,  by  keeping  to  the  right,  as  it 
was  designed  that  my  division  should  follow  a  different  road.  After 
passing  through  New  Baltimore,  and  about  a  mile  and  a  half  or  less 
from  the  village,  I  was  directed  to  take  a  right  hand  road,  which 
proved  to  be  a  cross  road  leading  to  Bristoe  station,  via  Greenwich. 
Just  before  reaching  Greenwich,  some  twenty  stragglers  of  the  third 
corps,  Federal  army,  were  captured.  A  desultory  fire  of  artillery  was 
heard  from  just  after  daybreak,  apparently  on  our  right,  and  con- 
tinued during  the  entire  day. 

It  was  nscertained  at  Greenwich  that  a  corps  of  the  enemy  had  en- 
camped there  the  night  previous,  the  last  of  this  corps  leaving  about 
eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  14th.  Frem  Greenwich  we  passed  on  by 
the  most  direct  road  to  Bristoe  station,  picking  up  a  number  of  strag- 
glers on  the  road. 

When  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  Bristoe  station,  I  was  directed  by 
General  A.  P.  Hill  to  form  three  brigades  of  my  division  in  line  of 
battle,  perpendicular  to  the  road  on  which  we  were  advancing,  hold- 
ing the  fourth  brigade  as  a  reserve,  which  was  to  continue  its  march 
by  the  flank.  Cooke's  brigade  (leading)  was  formed  on  the  ri;.'ht  of 
the  road,  its  left  resting  on  the  road  ;  Kirkland  was  put  in  position 
on  the  left  of  the  road,  his  right  resting  en  the  road,  and  forming  a 
continuous  line  with  Cooke  ;  Walker  was  directed  to  form  on  Kirk- 
land's  left ;  Davis's  brigade  was  held  in  reserve  in  the  road. 

Kirkland  had  not  quite  completed  the  formation  of  his  line  when 
orders  were  received  from  General  Hill  to  push  on  with  the  two  bri- 
gades then  in  line,  (Cooke's  and  Kirkland's,)  informing  me,  at  the 
same  time,  that  the  enemy  were  retreating  rapidly,  and  that  expedi- 
tion Avas  necessary. 

Walker's  brigade  was  at  this  time  in  rear  of  Kirkland,  his  right 
resting  in  rear  of  .Kirkland's  right.  General  Walker  was  in- 
formed of  the  change,  and  directed  to  form  on  Kirkland's  left,  if  pos- 
sible, as  Kirkland  moved  forward. 

The  order  was  now  given  to  advance.  On  reaching  a  cleared  space, 
some  two  or  three  hundred  yards  in  our  front,  the  enemy  was  discov- 
ered about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  front  of  Kirkland's  left.  A 
few  shots  from  one  of  Poague's  batteries  threw  them  into  much  con- 
fusion, and  all  that  were  in  sight  retreated  in  disorder  across  Broad 


47 

run.  On  seeing  this,  General  Hill  directed  me  to  move  by  the  left 
flank,  cross  Broad  run,  and  attack  the  fugitives.  This  order  was 
given,  and  my  line  halted  for  the  left  to  commence  the  flank  move- 
ment. Before  this  movement  was  commenced,  information  was  re- 
ceived that  a  heavy  column  of  the  enemy  had  appeared  on  our  right. 
I  asked  General  Hill  whether  the  flank  movement  should  continue. 
He  directed  that  it  should  be  deferred  for  the  present.  Some  ten 
minutes  :ifter wards  I  received  orders  to  move  forward.  About  this 
time  General  Cooke  in  person  reported  to  me  that  the  enemy  would 
take  him  in  flank  as  he  moved  forward.  This  was  reported  to  General 
Hill;  who  informed  me  that  General  Anderson's  division  had  been  or 
would  be  ordered  to  the  right.  General  Cooke  was  informed  of  this, 
and  the  forward  movement  commenced.  Walker  had  not  been  able  to 
form  line  of  battle  on  Kirkland's  left.  The  two  brigades  (Cooke's  and 
Kirkland's)  moved  off"  in  handsome  style  The  fkirmishers  soon  be- 
came engiiged.  The  enemy's  strength  in  my  front  was  only  known 
from  the  reports  made  by  Captain  Johnston,  engineer  corps.  As 
subsequently  shown,  it  proved  to  be  Warren's  second  army  corps. 
Marching  parallel  to  the  railroad,  the  enemy  was  concealed  from  our 
view  by  bills  and  woods.  On  seeing  our  advance,  the  enemy  formed 
his  line  in  rear  of  the  railroad  embankment,  his  right  resting  on 
Broad  run,  and  hidden  by  a  railroad  cut.  In  his  rear  a  line  of  hills 
ascended  to  some  thirty  or  forty  feet  in  height,  giving  him  an  admir- 
able position  for  his  artillery.  The  railroad  cut  and  embankment,  at 
the  foot  of  the  hill,  gave  him  perfect  protection  for  his  infantry.  In 
rear  of  the  enemy's  right,  on  the  hills  just  noticed,  a  circular  line  of 
rifle-pits  had  been  thrown  up  for  the  protection  of  the  bridge  over 
Broad  run.  These  rifle-pits  were  filled  with  infantry,  and  a  battery 
was  established  in  rear  and  higher  up  tlic  bills. 

As  Kirkland  moved  forward,  his  left  struck  the  enemy  in  the  rail- 
road cut,  near  Broad  run.  He  drove  everything  in  his  front  along 
the  line  of  the  railroad  before  him,  but  was  unable  to  carry  the  second 
line  of  works  (rifle-pits)  that  were  in  his  front.  When  in  the  rail- 
road cut,  his  men  were  exposed  to  an  enfilading  fire  from  his  right,  in 
addition  to  a  severe  fire  from  a  battery  on  the  north  side  of  Broad 
run.  The  position  was  untenable.  He  was  compelled  to  fall  back, 
A  number  of  his  men,  unwilling  to  expose  themselves,  remained  in 
the  railroad  cut,  and  were  captured.  General  Cooke  was  wounded 
early  in  the  action.  When  within  some  five  hundred  yards  of  the 
railroad  his  brigade  halted,  and  commenced  firing.  It  subsequently 
charged  up  to  within  forty  yards  of  the  railroad  embankment,  but  was 
driven  b.ick,  being  exposed  not  only  to  the  heavy  fire  behind  the  rail- 
road embankment,  but  also  to  a  fire  on  its  right  flank. 

The  enemy's  batteries,  during  the  advance  of  Cooke  and  Kirkland. 
completely  swept  the  field  over  which  the  advance  was  made. 

As  soon  as  Cocke's  brigade  gave  way,  I  ordered  General  Davis  to 
form  his  brigade  on  Cooke's  rigbt,  thus  protecting  Cooke  from  a  flank 
movement. 

During  the  advance  of  Cooke  and  Kirkland,  a  battery  belonging  to 
Mcintosh's  battalion,  Anderson's  division,  ^aa  ordered  to  take  posi- 


48 

tion  on  a  hill  about  five  cr  six  hundred  yards  from  the  railroad,  and 
about  opposite  Kirkland's  right  flank  and  Cooke's  left.  This  battery 
was  captured  by  the  enemy.  I  was  ignorant  of  the  fact  that  a  battery 
had  been  ordered  to  occupy  this  position,  until  it  had  been  taken.  A 
knowledge  of  its  position  on  my  part,  however,  would  not  have  saved 
it,  as  it  would  not  have  been  deemed  necessary  to  have  furnished  a 
special  support  for  it  so  long  as  the  two  brigades  (Cooke's  and  Kirk- 
land's) were  in  its  front.  On  receiving  information  that  the  enemy's 
skirmishers  were  approaching  the  battery,  and  that  it  was  in  danger, 
a  regiment  was  ordered  to  its  support,  but  arrived  on  the  ground  after 
five  guns  had  been  taken  off. 

During  the  advance  of  Kirkland,  Walker  gained  ground  to  the  left, 
crossing  Broad  run.  Finding  that  Kirkland's  left  was  gaining  ground 
to  the  right,  General  Walker  re- crossed  the  run.  Before  he  could 
form  on  Kirkland's  left.  Kirkland  had  been  driven  back. 

General  Walker,  during  the  rest  of  the  engagement,  supported  a 
battery  from  Poaguc's  battalion,  placed  on  a  hill  about  seven  or  eight 
hundred  yards  from  the  railroad.  This  engagement  was  over  before 
either  Walker  or  Davis  could  be  brought  into  action. 

After  the  repulse  of  Cooke  a»d  Kirkland,  I  reformed  my  lino  and 
advanced  again  to  within  about  five  hundred  yards  of  the  railroad, 
whvre  I  remained  during  the  night.  No  second  attack  was  ordered, 
as  I  waH  convinced  that  the  position  of  the  enemy  was  too  strong  to 
be  attacked  in  front  The  position  now  occupied  enabled  me  to  avail 
myself  of  an  opportunity  to  re-ume  the  attack  in  the  event  of  an  at- 
tack being  made  on  the  enemy's  left  flank  by  General  Ewell's  troops, 
or  others 

I  deem  it  but  just  to  the  troops  commanded  by  Generals  Cooke  and 
Kirkland  to  say,  that,  with  the  exception  of  one  regiment,  all  behaved 
well  under  the  circumstances. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  when  the  attack  was  made  by  Cooke 
and  Kirkland,  the  enemy's  force  in  front  was  unknown.  It  turned  out 
that  a  much  larger  force  was  in  our  front  than  was  supposed — one,  if 
not  the  greater  portion  of  two,  entire  corps.  The  position  accidentally 
occupied  by  the  enemy  was  as  strong,  or  stronger,  naturally  and  artifi- 
cially, than  military  art  could  have  made  it  bj  many  hours'  work. 
The  enemy's  left  flank  extended  a  mile,  or  three-quarters,  to  my  right; 
he  was  not  compelled  to  manoeuvre  to  get  into  position,  marchiag  by 
the  flank  ;  he  was  already  in  line  of  battle,  protected  by, a  railroad 
embankment,  at  a  convenient  height  to  shelter  his  men  ;  with  hills 
in  his  rear  admirably  adapted  to  render  effective  his  numerous  batte- 
ries. No  military  man,  who  has  examined  the  ground,  or  who  under- 
stands the  position  and  the  disproportionate  numbers  of  the  contend- 
ing forces,  would  attach  blame  to  these  two  brigades  for  meeting  with 
a  repulse.  My  confidence  in  these  troops  is  not  shaken  by  the  result, 
and  I  feel  satisfied  on  fields  to  come  they  will  vindicate  the  high  rep- 
utation they  have  gained  on  many  a  hard  fought  battle-field.  Had 
they  succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy  in  their  front  before  them,  and 
carried  the  hills  beyond  the  railroad,  it  is  probable  the  two  brigades 
would  have  been  captured  by  the  enemy  unengaged  on  their  right. 


49 


I  beg  leave  to  bring  to  the  notice  of  the  Lieutenant  General  com- 
manding tne  gallantry  displayed  by  Generals  Cooke  and  Kirkland 
both  of  whom  were  severely  wounded.  I  regret  that,  in  the  absence 
ot  the  reports  of  brigade  and  regimental  commanders,  J  am  unable  to 
name  the  officers  who  doserve  special  mention  for  good  conduct  A 
report  of  casualties  is  enclosed.     xMy  thanks  ai-e  due  to  my  personal 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

'^  H.  IIETH,  Major  General. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  R.  H.  ANDERSON. 

Headquarters  Anderson's  DivrsioN,      ^ 

Near  liappuhaiuiock  Station,  Va.,  \ 

October  21,  1863.      ) 

Captain  W.  N.  Starke, 

A.  A.  General  Third  Army  Corps  : 

Captain  :  At  half-past  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  tte  14th  in- 
stant, when  near  Biiatoe  Station,  I  received  orders  from  the  Lieuten- 
ant General  comraiUidiDg  the  third  corps,  to  send  Mcintosh's  battalion 
of  artillery  to  the  front,  and  to  move  two  brigades  of  my  division  to 
the  right  of  the  roari  by  which  we  had  been  approaching  the  Station, 
to  intercept  a  column  of  the  enemy's  troops,  which  was  moving  along 
the  railroad  towards  the  station, 

Posey's  and  Perry's  brigades  were  immediately  put  in  motion 
through  a  piece  of  woods,  to  execute  the  order,  but  before  they  ar- 
rived within  striking  distance,  the  enemy  moved  off  at  double  quick, 
and  disappeared  in  a  piece  of  pine  forest,  near  the  railroad. 

The  brigades  continued  to  advance  towards  the  railroad,  in  the  di- 
rection which  had  been  indicated  by  Lieutenant  General  Hill,  until 
they  found  the  enemy  strongly  posted  behind  the  railroad  embank- 
ments and  cuts,  with  a  battery  of  artillery  so  planted  as  to  enfilade 
the  road,  and  sweep  the  open  piece  of  ground  between  them  and  our- 
selves. 

The  column  which  I  had  been  directed  to  intercept  had  got  into  po- 
sition along  the  railroad,  and  I  halted  the  troops  until  I  could  exam- 
ine the  ground  between  them  and  the  enemy.  Whilst  so  engaged,  I 
met  Brigadier  Gcnernl  Long,  who  proposed  to  place  some  of  his  artil- 
leiry  upon  a  slight  eminence  which  afforded  a  good  position  for  artil- 
lery. To  this  I  gladly  assented,  as  1  deemed  it  necessary  to  the 
further  advance  of  the  troops  of  ruy  command. 

At  this  time,  1  received  notice  that  the  troops  of  the  second  corps 
were  coming  up  on  my  right,  and  I  was  directed  to  form  a  line  of 
battle,  so  as  to  connect  my  right  with  the  left  of  that  corps.  The 
othsr  brigades  of  my  division  were  then  ordered  up,  and  the  line  was 
formed  as  quickly  as  the  nature  of  the  ground  would  permit.  During 
these  movements  of  my  command,. Heth's  division  became  hotly  en- 
gaged, and  a  brigade  of  his  troops,  near  the  left  of  my  division,  was 
driven  back.  'Jhe  enemy's  pkirmisbers  advanced  through  the  gap,  and 
General  Long  found  it  impracticable  to  post  his  artillery.  Perry's 
brigade  checked  the  farther  advance  of  the  enemy,  and  Mahone's  was 
was  put  in  motion  to  regain  the  ground  from  which  our  men  had  been 
driven,  but  before  it  reached  the  place,  it  was  reoccupied  by  another 
brigade  of  Heth's  division.  Perry's  and  Posey's  brigade  then  drove 
back  the  enemy's  line  of  ekirmishers,  and  General  Long's  artillery 
got  into  position,  but  it  was  now  nearly  daik,  and,  after  a  few  min- 
utes' cannonading,  to  which  the  enemy  replied  warmly,  the  firing  was 
discontinued. 


51 

The  troops  of  my  division   remained  in  line  of  battle  during  the 
night.     In  the  morning,  the  enemy  were  gone. 

I  regret  to  report  that  in  this  affair,  Captain  Thomas  L.  Barrand^ 
of  the  sixteenth  Virginia  regiment,  an  excellent  officer,  was  killed. 
Brigadier  General  Posey  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Baya,  commanding 
eighth  Florida  regiment,  received  severe  wounds,  the  former  in  tho 
left  thigh,  and  the  latter  in  the  right  hip,  and  Captain  A.  R.  Joneg, 
twelfth  Mississippi  regiment,  was  wounded  in  the  right  leg.  The 
total  casualties  were  eleven  (11)  killed,  and  forty -three  (43)  wounded. 
Very  respectfully,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

R.  II    ANDERSON, 
Blajor  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  H.  H.  WALKER. 

Headquarters  Walker's  Brigade,  / 
October  21,  1863.      I 

Major  R.  IT,  FiNNEV, 

A.  A.  Generalp  Hei/i's  Division  : 

Major:  In  accordance  with  circular  from  division  headquarters,  I 
b„\'e  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  my 
tigade  in  the  engagement  at  Bristoe  Station,  on  the  14th  of  October, 
1-863.: 

My  brigade  was  formed  in  line  of  battle  in  a  woods,  about  one  hun- 
dred yards  in  rear  of  General  Kirkland's,  my  right  covering  his  right, 
fc;3  brigade  being  nearly  double  the  length  of  mine.  While  in  this- 
position,  General  Heth  informed  me  the  enemy  was  running,  that  he 
would  not  have  time  for  me  to  get  upon  Kirkland's  left,  but  that  I 
c;ust  do  so  on  the  march.  This  I  found  impossible  to  do.  Kirkland'a 
lirigade  soon  got  into  the  open  field,  and  commenced  gaining  ground 
try  the  right,  by  a  wheel,  while  mine,  already  behind  and  on 
tr-9  circumference,  had  a  dense  woods  to  march  through  for  half  a  mile. 
Tiiis  distance  brought  my  brigade  on  Broad  run.  While  crossing  this 
is  line  of  battle.  Kirkland  became  hotly  engaged.  Seeing  his  left 
gf^ining  ground  so  fast  to  the  front  and  right,  I  marched  my  brigade 
tj  the  right  flank,  again  crossed  Broad  run,  and  double-quicked  my 
brigade,  to  try  and  catch  up  with  Kirkland's  left.  When  I  got  into 
ite  open  field,  I  saw  his  left  had  been  repulsed,  and  was  falling  back 
in  utter  confusion.  I  succeeded  in  getting  the  three  right  regiments 
of  my  brigade  interposed  between  the  enemy's  advance  and  the  bat- 
trry  on  the  hill  at  the  cemetery.  A  portion  of  Kirkland's  brigade 
(two  regiments,)  were  then  rallied  on  the  right  of  these  regiments. 
The  four  regiments  on  the  left  of  my  brigade  were  halted  on  the  crest 
of  the  hill  at  the  cemetery,  abreast  with  the  battery  at  that  place. 
The  line  rencained  thus  until  the  regiments  of  Kirkland's  brigade 
were  moved,  under  direction  of  General  Kirkland, s  Adjutant  Gene- 
ral, to  the  right  and  rear  of  the  battery  at  the  cemetery.  Captain 
Kill,  of  General  Hill's  staff,  then  brought  an  order  for  this  batcery 
to  move  to  the  right.  I  told  him  I  was  supporting  the  battery,  and 
asked  him  if  I  should  move  with  it  ?  He  replied  •'  Yes."  I  had 
scarcely  gotten  half  way  down  the  hill  with  my  brigade,  when  Major 
Mcintosh  reported  to  me  that  his  supports  kmving  retired,  he  had  to 
withdraw  his  men  from  the  battery  on  the  right  of  the  road,  and  that 
if  I  could  get  a  regiment  there  ia  time,  1  might  retake  it.  This  I 
•Bdeavored  to  do  immediately,  and  ordered  a  regiment  to  double- 
cuick  to  tha  position,  but  before  it  arrived,  the  guns  were  out  of  sight. 
Biraultaneously  with  Major  Mcintosh,  Major  Finney,  Adjutant  Gen- 
eral, reported  that  the  enemy  were  again  advancing  in  the  direction 
of  the  cemetery.     I  immediately  deployed  a  regiment  as  skirmishers; 


53 

again  formed  my  brigade  in  its  original  position,  and  remained  so  un- 
til new  dipositions  were   made  for  the  night. 

I  omitted  to  state  at  the  commencement,  before  my  brigade  was  put 
into  line.  General  Hill  detached  the  fourteenth  Tennessee  regiment, 
and  directed  it  to  take  a  position  as  skirmishers  on  the  right  of  1  Ja 
line.  This  regiment  rejoined  the  brigade  the  next  morning.  Ea- 
closed  is  a  list  of  casualties  during  the  engagement. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

11.  H.  WALKER, 
Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  HALL. 


Headquarters  Cooke's  Brigade,  ) 

Near  Rappahannock  Station,   Va.,  October  22,   1863.  ) 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  on  the  1 4th  instant,  on 
arriving  within  one  or  two  miles  of  Bristoo  Station,  the  brigade 
formed  a  line  of  battle  on  the  right  of  the  road  in  the  following  order  : 
first,  forty-sixth  North  Carolina ;  second,  fifteenth  North  Carolina ; 
third,  twenty- seventh  North  Carolina,  and  the  forty-eighth  North 
Carolina  on  the  left.  After  forming,  we  advanced  through  a  very 
thick  undergrowth.  On  clearing  the  woods  and  arriving  in  the  first 
opening,  the  brigade  was  halted  a  few  moments  to  correct  the  align- 
ment. The  enemy  was  discovered  massed  upon  our  left  beyond  the 
railroad,  and  to  the  left  of  the  road  leading  to  the  station.  Being 
then  in  command  of  the  extreme  right  regiment,  I  immediately  dis- 
covered that  the  enemy  was  in  heavy  force  on  my  right,  and  busily 
engaged  in  getting  in  position.  In  a  few  moments  we  were  ordered 
fco  advance,  and  soon  after  the  enemy's  skirmishers  commenced  firing 
en  my  right  flank.  I  discovered  the  line  of  battle  behind  the  rail- 
road extending  as  far  on  my  right  as  I  could  see.  Also,  a  mass  of 
troops  lying  perpendicular  to  the  road,  and  on  the  side  next  to  us, 
from  which  body  an  advance  was  made  on  my  right  in  considerable 
xiumbers.  I  then  sent  word  to  General  Cooke  that  I  was  much  an- 
noyed by  the  fire  and  seriously  threatened.  I  sent  my  right  company 
to  engage  the  skirmishers  on  my  right,  but  they  were  soon  driven  in, 
1  then  changed  the  front  of  my  regiment  on  the  first  company  and 
checked  their  advance.  The  brigade  had  again  halted,  just  before 
getting  under  fire,  and  I  moved  back  just  in  time  to  join  the  line  in 
its  final  advance.  Soon  after  getting  under  fire,  I  found  that  the  left 
cf  the  brigade  had  commenced  firing  as  they  advanced,  which  was 
taken  up  along  the  whole  line.  Shortly  afterwards  information  was 
brought  me  that  General  Cooke  was  wounded,  and  that  I  was  in 
tommand.  I  ordered  my  regiment  to  cease  firing-,  and  passed  up  to 
the  centre  of  the  brigade,  stopping  the  firing  as  I  went.  The  brigade 
was  then  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  railroad.  On  getting  on 
the  top  of  the  hill,  I  found  the  brigade  suffering  fz'om  a  heavy  flank 
fire  of  artillery  from  the  right — the  number  of  guns  I  cannot  say, 
evidently  more  than  one  battery.  Also,  the  guns  on  the  left  and 
irear  of  the  railroad  had  an  enfilading  fire  on  us.  The  musketry  fire 
from  the  line  of  railroad  was  very  heavy.  I  soon  saw  that  a  rapid 
fedvance  must  be  made,  or  to  withdraw.  I  chose  the  former.  I  passed 
the  word  to  the  right  regiments  to  charge,  vfhich  was  done  in  what  I 
c  onceived  to  be  in  good  style.  The  fourth  regiment  was  somewhat 
confused..  But  I  sent  the  Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding  word  to 
follow  the  line,  which  he  did  with  about  two-thirds  of  his  regiment, 
t'le  balance  giving  way.  The  brigade  charged  up  to  within  forty 
yards  of  the  railroad,  and  from  the  severity  of  the  fire,  and  from  thea 


55 

seeing  the  extreme  left  of  the  line  falling  back,  they  fell  back  ;  the 
two  right  regiments  in  good  opder,  the  third  (twenty-seventh  North 
Carolina)  in  an  honorable  confusion,  from  the  fact  l[iat  between  one- 
half  and  two-thirda  of  the  regiment  had  been  killed  and  wounded, 
they  being  in  a  far  more  expor-ed  position  than  the  other  two  rt'gi- 
ments,  and  had  gone  further.  The  forty-eighth,  in  advancing,^encoun- 
tered  the  whole  line  falling  back.  I  halted  the  brigade  in  the  first 
field  we  came  to,  about  four  hundred  yards  from  the  enemy's  line, 
from  which  position  we  fell  back  beyond  the  second  field,  on  seeing 
the  enemy  come  out  on  onr  right  and  left.  After  a  short  time  the 
brigade  of  General  Davis  joined  us  on  the  right,  when  we  again 
advanced  to  within  four  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy,  and,  on  seeing 
the  right  brigade  halt,  I  halted,  where  we  remained  during  the  night. 
As  there  was  a  battery  of  artillery  lost  during  the  engagement,  and 
from  its  proximity  to  the  brigade  the  loss  may  be  laid  to  it,  1  will 
state  that  I  knew  nothing  of  the  guns  being  there  until  we  had  fallen 
back  to  the  second  field.  The  guns  may  have  been  in  our  rear,  but 
they  must  certainly  have  been  placed  there  after  we  advanced,  and, 
in  retreating,  from  our  losses,  both  by  casualties  and  straggling, 
shortened  our  line  so  much  that,  with  the  addition  of  one  of  General 
Kirkland's  regiment?,  (forty-fourth  North  Carolina,)  which  joined  our 
left,  the  left  of  the  brigade  was  some  distance  to  the  right  of  the 
guns.  On  learning  the  guns  were  there,  and  in  danger,  I  dispatched 
a  portion  of  one  regiment  to  the  relief,  but  the  guns  had  been  taken 
off  before  the  relief  arrived.  I  would  respectfully  state  that  I  have 
been  with  the  brigade  during  some  of  the  heaviest  engagements  of 
the  war,  and  have  never  seen  the  men  more  cool  and  determin-d,  and 
that  their  falling  back  resulted  from  no  fault  of  theirs,  but  from  the 
great  superiority  of  numbers  and  position  of  the  enemy,  and  entire 
want  of  support,  both  in  rear  and  prolongation  of  our  lines. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  respectfully, 

.     E.  D.  HALL,  Colonel  commanding. 


ifEPORT  OF  MAJOR  McINTOSH. 

Headquarters  McIntosh's  Battaltov  Artillery,      ) 
In  camp,  near  Beverly  Ford,  Oct.  23,  1863.  5 

To  Captain  W.  N.  Starke,  A.  A.  G.,  third  Army  Corps  : 

Captain  :  In  accordance  with  your  request,  I  have  the  honor  to 
submit  the  following  report,  being  duplicate  of  one  already  furnished 
Colonel  Walker,  of  the  part  taken  by  this  battalion  in  the  engagement 
at  Bristoe  Station  on  the  afternoon  of  the  14th  instant. 

When  within  about  a  mile  of  the  station  I  received  an  order  from 
Major  General  Anderson,  through  Major  Duncan,  his  staff  officer,  to 
move  my  battalion  to  the  front.  Passing  the  division  I  halted  a 
moment  upon  the  opened  ground  where  the  descent  to  the  railroad 
begins  ;  and  Major  Duncan  saying,  as  ho  joined  me  again,  that  he  had 
directions  from  Lieutenant  General  Hill  where  to  place  me,  I  moved 
immediately  on,  attracting  some  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries.  Ob- 
serving that  I  was  approaching  near  the  enemy,  I  ordered  Captain 
Hunt  to  take  his  two  Whitworth  guns  out  of  the  column  and  place 
them  in  the  best  position  he  could  find  on  the  hills  in  rear.  Captain 
Johnson's  battery  had  previously  been  detached  by  order  of  Genera! 
Anderson,  and  left  at  Broad  run.  With  the  remaining  nine  guns,  I 
proceeded  to  follow  Major  Duncan,  who  pointed  out  an  open  space 
between  two  pine  thickets  as  the  position  which  I  was  to  occupy. 
Our  line  of  infantry  was  then  in  the  act  of  advancing  over  the  hill 
at  this  point,  and  drew  a  heavy  musketry  fire  on  them  in  rear.  I 
therefore  halted  my  column  at  the  base  of  the  rising  ground  in  front, 
sending  word  by  Lieutenant  Houston,  my  ordnance  officer,  who  ac- 
companied me  on  the  field,  to  Lieutenant  General  Hill,  why-  I  had 
done  so,  and  ordering  the  pieces  to  draw  up  under  cover,  I  proceeded 
to  look  at  the  ground  with  Major  Duncan.  On  casting  my  eye  over 
the  field,  I  saw  and  represented  to  Major  Duncan,  the  exposure  of 
the  situation,  because  of  its  proximity  to  the  railroad  bank,  being 
only  four  or  five  hundred  yards  distant,  where  the  enemy's  line  of 
battle  was  posted,  and  in  full  view  of  a  number  of  opposing  bat- 
teries, stretching  from  the  left  to  the  extreme  right.  He  (  Major 
Duncan)  left,  saying  he  would  represent  the  situation  to  General  Hill. 
In  the  meantime  our  line  had  advanced  a  short  distance  over  the  crest 
of  the  hill,  and  exhibiting  symptoms  of  wavering,  I  ordered  up  five 
light  rifle  guns,  consisting  of  the  second  Rockbridge  battery,  three 
guns.  Lieutenant  Wallace  commanding,  and  a  section  of  Hunt's  bat- 
tery, under  Lieutenant  Crenshaw,  and  directed  them  to  open  with 
ahell,  firing  over  the  heads  of  our  men. 

Lieutenant  Houston  returned  just  at  this  time,  with  a  message  from 
General  Hill,  that  he  wished  me  to  take  position  as  quickly  as  possi- 
ble, and.l  therefore  ordered  up  a  section  of  Rice's  Napoleon  battery, 
placing  it  to  the  left  of  the  rifle  guns.  Before  this  order  was  executed, 
however,  our  line  of  infantry  in  front  had  broken,  and  falling  back  to 


o7 

the  guns,  passed  on  to  the  rear  ;  my  officers  joined  me  in  endeavoring 
to  rally  and  stop  them  upon  the  slope  in  rear  of  the  guns,  but  without 
avail.  Lieutenant  "Wilson  ■while  thus  engaged  was  struck  down  and 
seriously  injured  by  a  shell. 

The  ground  being  clear  of  our  infantry  in  front,  I  directed  a  round 
or  two  of  cannister  to  be  thrown  at  the  enemy  along  tbc  railroad,  but 
pointed  the  fire  chiefly  against  the  opposing  battery,  which  concen- 
trated upon  me  a  converging  fire  from  three  directions.  I  dispatched 
a  messenger  hastily  to  General  Ilill,  to  say  that  I  was  badly  enfiladed 
from  the  right,  an<i  regarded  the  position  untenable,  which  message 
the  General  has  since  informed  me  he  did  not  receive. 

Believing  I  could  obtain  a  position  to  the  right,  where  I  coulddi^ert 
the  enemy's  fire,  I  proceeded  in  that  direction  with  the  two  guns  un 
disposed  of,  a  section  of  Napoleon,  under  Lieutenant  Price,  and 
met  Major  Duncan  on  the  way,  who  told  me  guns  were  needed  in 
that  quarter,  and  who  showed  me  a  position  from  which  the  enemy's 
battery,  then  jnnoying  me  so  much,  could  be  taken  almost  in  rear. 
He  informed  me  at  the  same  time  that  General  Long  would  have  up  a 
number  of  guns  in  a  few  minutes,  and  as  one  of  Lieutenant  Price's 
was  detained  by  an  accident  on  the  way,  I  deemed  it  imprudent  to 
open  with  one  gun,  and  ordered  the  lieutenant  to  report  to  General 
Long  as  soon  as  ho  came  up,  and  desire  him  to  open  immediately. 

Returning  to  the  first  position,  where  I  had  left  seven  guns  engaged, 
I  observed  that  the  fire  had  ceased.  On  inquiring  the  reason  of 
Lieutenant  Wallace,  then  in  command,  he  replied  that  he  had  not  men 
enough  left  to  work  the  guns  ;  that  the  enemy  was  advancing,  and  he 
had  just  beon  to  look  for  infantry  support.  I  at  once  ordered  the 
guns  to  be  dragged  down  the  hill  by  hand,  and  the  remaining  men, 
who  were  lying  in  the  bush,  started  forward,  but  at  that  instant,  a 
body  of  tbc  enemy,  apparently  skirmishers,  appeared  stealing  over  the 
crest  of  the  hill,  and  in  a  moment  more  were  among  the  guns.  I  saw 
it  was  too  late  to  remove  them,  and  directed  the  limbers  and  caissons 
to  be  drawn  off  en  the  edge  of  the  wood,  and  the  men  to  retire  with- 
out noise. 

Believing  the  number  of  the  enemy  at  the  guns  to  be  email,  and 
that  they  could  still  be  recovered  with  prompt  action,  I  rode  rapidly 
in  search  of  a  body  of  infantry,  but  the  plain  in  my  rear  was  bare  of 
all  troop  5.  After  some  minutes,  I  found  a  brigade — General  Walker's, 
I  think — and  reported  to  him  the  condition  of  aflfairs,  and  desired  him 
to  throw  forward  a  body  as  quickly  as  possible. 

A  few  minutes  after  I  observed  General  Ileth  approaching,  when  I 
informed  him  also  of  my  situation.  Lieutenant  Wallace  informs  me 
that  he  saw  the  enemy  roll  off  the  guns  by  hand,  in  a  few  minutes  after 
they  were  taken  possession  of.  The  two  Napoleon  guns  of  Captain 
Rice  were  both  disabled,  having  their  axles  broken,  and  the  check  of 
one  shivered;  one  was  dragged  off  before  the  approach  of  the  enemy. 
The  other  was  recovered  the  next  morning.  All  the  ammunition  in 
the  limbers  of  the  pieces  was  expended  by  Captain  Rice,  bis  caissons 
being  kept  in  rear.     He  estimates  the  time  during  which  he  was  en- 


58 

gaged,  at  one  hour;  his  casualties  were  eight  men  wounded,  and  ten 
horses  disabled. 

The  five  rifle  pieces,  which  preceeded  Captain  Rice  in  the  action, 
tfere  engaged  probably  an  hour  and  a  quarter.  Lieutenant  Wallace's 
three  guns  fired  two  hundred  and  four  rounds.  His  casualties  were 
two  lieutenants  wounded,  and  two  men  killed  and  thirteen  wounded; 
Lieutenant  Crenshaw's  section  fired  only  twenty-five  rounds ;  his 
casualties  were  one  man  killed  and  sixteen  wounded. 

The  total  of  casualties  was  three  men  killed  and  thirty-nine  wounded, 
forty-foar  horses  were  disabled.  The  section  of  Napoleon  guns,  under 
Lieutenant  Price,  reported  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Jones,  of  General 
Long's  command,  and  was  engaged  late  in  the  afternoon,  Avithout  suf- 
fering any  loss  in  men  or  horses.  The  section  of  Whitworths  fired 
eight  shots  at  the  enemy,  also  without  loss. 
I  am,  Captain,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

D.  G.  McTNTOSH, 

Major  artillery. 


EXPEDITION  INTO  EAST  TENNESSEE. 


IIEPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  STEVENSON. 


Headquarters  Stevenson's  Division,      ) 
Near  Tyner's  Station,  November  12,   18G3.  S 

To  Colonel  G.  W.  Brent, 

A.  A.   G.   Army  of  Tennessee  : 

Colonel:  Agreeably  to  orders  received  from  army  headquarters  on 
the  17th  ultimo,  I  proceeded  to  Charleston,  Tennessee,  arriving  there 
with  a  portion  of  my  command  about  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  ou  the  19th 
ultimo. 

The  failure  of  the  railroad  officials  to  carry  out  the  arrangements 
and  obey  the  orders  relative  to  the  transportation  of  the  troops,  and 
the  delay  caused  thereby,  have  been  made  the  subject  of  a  special 
communication  to  the  commanding  General. 

Immediately  upon  my  arrival  at  Charleston  I  gave  the  following 
directions  to  Colonels  Morrison  and  Dibrell,  commanding  brigades  of 
cavalry  : 

"  Colonel  Morrison,  with  his  whole  effective  force,  reinforced  by 
Colonel  McKcnzie's  and  Major  Jessie's  commands,  will  move  so  as  to 
reach  the  rear  of  Philadelphia  by  daylight  to-morrow  moining,  and 
be  prepared  to  co-operate  with  Colonel  Dibrell,  who,  with  his  effective 
command,  will  advance  so  as  to  attack  the  enemy,  suppo^-ed  to  be  at 
that  point,  at  daylight.  Should  the  enemy  not  be  found  at  Philadel- 
phia, the  commands  will  seek  and  capture  or  drive  him  across  the 
Tennessee.  Having  routed  the  cavalry,  they  will  move  on  London, 
and,  should  the  force  of  the  enemy's  infantry  there  be  small,  will 
attack  and  carry  that  place.  In  that  event  London  will  be  bcid  by  s 
sufficient  force,  and  suitable  scouts  be  sent  up  the  river  for  informa- 
tion with  regard  to  the  enemy  in   that  direction.     Colonel  Morrison 


60  . 

will  send  a  select  force  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  in  command  of 
a  suitable  officer,  to  destroy  the  ferry  at  Kingston,  He  will  also 
detail  from  his  command  two  companies  to  picket  the  river  on  our 
left  flank." 

The  movement  directed  was  at  once  commenced,  but  owing  to  the 
difficulty  in  crossing  the  Hiwassee  at  the  ford  by  which  Colonel  Mor- 
rison moved,  the  attack  was  not  made  until  as  late  as  one  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  on  the  20th  ultimo.  For  a  time  the  resistance  was  stubborn, 
the  enemy  making  a  gallant  fight,  but  finally  they  broke  and  fled,  in 
the  greatest  confusion,  to  their  defences  at  London.  The  fact  that 
they  had  there  a  fortified  position,  with  an  infantry  support,  the  ap- 
proach of  darkness,  and  the  exhaustion  of  our  cavalry  after  their 
long  march  and  severe  fight,  decided  Colonels  Morrison  and  Dibrell 
not  to  make  an  immediate  attack  upon  London.  Our  loss  amounted 
to  fifteen  killed,  eighty-two  wounded  and  three  missing.  That  of  the 
enemy  was  greater  in  killed  and  wounded,  and  by  capture  about 
seven  hundred  prisoners,  six  pieces  of  artillery,  and  all  their  wagons, 
ambulances  and  camp  equipage.  On  the  next  morning  the  enemy 
advanced  in  force,  infantry  and  cavalry,  from  London,  and  Colonels 
Morrison  and  Dibrell  withdrew  their  commands  to  Sweetwater,  there 
to  await  the  arrival  of  the  infantry.  The  enemy  fell  back  to  London 
that  night.  I  reached  the  front  on  the  morning  of  the  22d,  moved 
the  infantry  to  Mouse  creek  that  day,  and  soon  afterwards  to  Sweet- 
water. On  the  evening  of  the  23rd  of  October  the  enemy  advanced 
in  considerable  force  and  engaged  the  cavalry  for  a  short  time,  re- 
tiring at  dusk.     Their  loss  is  not  known.     Ours  is  five  wounded. 

The  same  movement  was  again  made  by  them  on  the  evening  of  the 
26th  of  October.  In  this  affair  our  loss  was  three  wounded  and  five 
missing.  The  enemy  are  known  to  have  had  three  commissioned 
officers  and  several  privates  killed,  and  a  number  wounded. 

On  the  27th  October  I  was  informed  that  the  notorious  bushwhacker 
and  robber,  Bryson,  had  been  sent,  with  his  command,  by  Burnside 
to  get  in  my  rear  and  obtain  information  as  to  our  movements  and 
intentions.  I  immediately  gave  Brigadier  General  Vaughn  a  detach- 
ment of  about  one  hundred  men,  and  directed  him  to  intercept  and, 
if  possible,  destroy  the  party.  He  succeeded  in  dispersing  them, 
killing  several,  and  taking  .among  the  prisoners  a  captain.  Duridg 
the  pursuit,  Bryson  himself  was  killed. 

On  the  27th  of  October  Cheatham's  division,  commanded  during 
the  expedition  by  Brigadier  General  Jackson,  reached  Athens,  and 
bj  this  accession  my  force,  before  so  weak  as  to  be  entirely  inade- 
quate for  a  decided  movement  against  the  enemy  at  London,  was 
strengthened  to  such  an  extent  as  would  have  enabled  me  to  actively 
assume  the  offensive ;  but  the  enemy,  informed  doubtless  by  disloyal 
citizens  of  the  arrival  of  these  reinforcements,  evacuated  London  on 
the  night  of  the  same  day. 

On  the  28th  of  October  I  sent  Brigadier  General  Vaughn,  with  a 
foice  of  cavalry,  across  the  Little  Tennessee  river  at  Morgantown, 
with  orders  to  make  a  demonstration  upon  Knoxville  and  gain  all  the 
information  he  could  of  the  enemy's  force,  movements;  and  intentions. 


61 

He  found  a  force  at  Leaper's  ferry,  attacked  and  drove  them  across 
the  river  after  quite  a  sharp  engagement,  inflicting  conaiderable  loss 
upon  them.  lie  also  went  to  Lenoir's  ferry.  The  eudden  and  heavy 
rain  that  fell  at  thia  time  raised  the  Little  Tennessee  so  rapidly  that 
it  became  exceedingly  hazardous  for  him  to  remain  on  that  side,  and 
be  accordingly  returned  to  Morgantown. 

On  the  3rd  November  Colonel  Dibrcll  crossed  the  Little  Tennessee, 
with   about   seven   hundred  men,  but   found   the   enemy   in  too  great* 
force  in  his  front  to   permit  him    to    make   any  decided   move.     Tho 
results  of  these  scouts  in  eliciting  information  were  promptly  commu- 
nicated to  you  by  telegraph. 

On  the  4th  of  November  I  received  orders  by  telegraph  to  send 
two  of  the  brigades  of  Cheatham's  division  to  Tyner's  by  railroad  on 
the  5th,  and  the  remaining  two  on  the  6th,  and  immediately  thereafter 
to  send  the  two  brigades  of  my  own  division. 

On  the  8th  instant  I  received  orders  from  the  commanding  General 
to  leave  Brigadier  General  Gumming  to  bring  on  my  division,  and 
report  in  porson  at  army  headquarters  as  soon  a'^  possibl**  after  the 
arrival  of  Lieutenant  General  Longstreet  at  Sweetwater.  lie  reached 
that  point  on  the  night  of  the  9th,  and,  as  directed,  I  left  Sweetwater 
on  the  morning  of  the  lOth,  arriving  at  Tyner's  upon  the  eame  day. 
I  am,  Colonel,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  S.  STEVENSON, 
Major  General  comvmnding. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  MORRISON. 

Headquarters  Cavalrv  Forces, 
Owtns\  near  Sweetwater,   Ttnvessee 
Oct.  27th,  18U3. 


■\ 


Major  J.  J.  Reeves,  A.  A.  G.  : 

■  Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  agreeable  to  instructions 
from  (jeneral  Stevenson,  I  succeeded  in  getting  my  entire  command, 
numbering  about  eighteen  hundred  men,  across  Hiwassee  river,  at  and 
above  Rencannon's  ferry,  by  ten  o'clock  on  the  night  of  the  19th 
instant.  I  immediately  took  up  the  line  of  march  fur  the  rear  of 
Philadelphia,  the  distance  to  the  point  •,\here  I  expected  to  strike  the 
Philadelphia  and  Lot. don  road  being  fifty  miles.  The  weather  wjis 
very  disagreeable,  and  the  roads  were  in  very  bad  condition,  rendered 
worne  every  hour  by  the  incessant  showers  that  had  been  falling  since 
I  left  Harrison.  Men  and  officers  bore  up  astonishiiigly  under  the 
circumstances,  liaving,  in  crossing  the  river  and  making  the  march, 
lost  two  nigKts'  sleep  in  succession.  Oh  arriving  near  Philadelphia, 
I  communicated  with  Colonel  Dibrell,  suggesting  that  he  had  better 
move  up  and  make  a  demonstration  in  the  front,  so  that  I  could  with- 
out interruption  and  undiscovered,  make  the  enemy's  rear  ;  and  reach- 
ing Pond  creek,  a  point  to  the  left  of  and  opposite  Philadidphia,  I 
intercepted  and  captured  a  forage  train  and  forty  prisoners.  From 
this  point  I  sent  a  patty  on  ea«  h  of  the  roads  leading  into  town,  with 
instructions  to  drive  in  the  enemy's  pickets  and  hold  their  positior-sif 
possible,  and  thus  prevent  his  learning  the  direction  taken  by  the 
main  part  of  my  command.  I  finally  reached  the  rear  of  Philadel- 
phia, after  a  hard  march  of  fifty  miles  in  fifteen  hours,  unobserved. 
I  caused  the  telegraph  wire  to  be  cut,  and  sent  as  rapidly  as  possible 
one  regiment  to  LoLdon,  a  distance  of  four  miles,  there  to  make  a 
feint  and  prevent  General  White  from  reinforcing  Woolford  at  Puila- 
delphia,  with  his  infantry  from  that  point.  The  surprise  was  com- 
plete, and  the  feint  at  London  a  success.  I  now  hastened  on  to 
Philadelphia,  a  distance  of  two  miles,  and  soon  had  a  view  of  the 
enemy's  line  of  battle,  whereupon  I  dismounted  my  men  and  com- 
menced the  attack.  Colonel  Dibrell  having  opened  an  artillery  duel  in 
the  front  some  time  before.  The  enemy,  on  discovering  me  in  their 
rear,  at  once  turned  their  whole  force,  with  six  pieces  of  artillery, 
against  my  command,  which  was  now  reduced  to  about  one  thousand 
men.  Afterwards  ensued  on3  of  the  hardest  cavalry  fights  of  the 
war,  both  sides  struggling  vigorously  for  the  mastery.  1  was  made 
to  fall  back  twice,  but  with  little  eflFort  each  time  rallied  my  men  and 
Boon  had  the  enemy  completely  routed  and  flying  in  confusion  towards 
London,  capturing  their  artillery,  (six  pieces,)  wagon  train,  ambu- 
lances, stores,  and  between  five  hundred  and  seven  hundred  prisoners. 
A  portion  of  the  latter  was  captured  by  Colonel  Dibi  ell's  command. 
The  officers  and  men  of  my  command  conducted  themselves  hand- 


63 

somely  from  the  commencement  of  the  march  to  the  rout  of  the 
enemy  at  Philadelphia,  but  credit  is  especially  due  to  Colonel  Hart, 
of  the  sixth  Georgia;  Colonel  Rice,  of  the  third  Confederate,  and 
Colonel  Harper,  of  the  first  Georgia  cavalry,  who  lost  a  leg  while 
leading  his  men  in  a  gallant  charge.  Colonels  Rice  and  Ilart  occu- 
pied the  left,  and  nobly  did  each  do  his  duty.  From  an  intrepid 
charge  on  the  enemy's  rear,  his  artillery,  wagons,  and  stores,  with 
most  of  the  prisoners,  fell  into  their  hands.  Lieutenant  George  Yoe, 
Captain  Davidson  Lamar,  and  Adjutant  John  VV.  Tench,  aciing  on 
my  staff",  have  my  thanks  for  their  assistance,  efficiency,  and  gallantry 
on  the  field. 

Although  the  victory  was  complete,  the  fruits  of  it  fell  short,  far, 
of  what  they  would  have  reached,  if  I  had  had  the  prompt  co-opera- 
tion of  the  forces  in  front. 

The  casualties  in  my  command  are  fourteen  killed,  eighty-two 
wounded.     Those  of  enemy  much  larger. 

J.  J.  MORRISON, 
Colonel  commanding  Second  Cavalry  Brigade. 
Official : 

Jno.  J.  Reeves,  A.  A.  G. : 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  DIBRELL. 

•  Headquarters  Second  Caj;,alry  Brigade,  ^ 

Armstrong's  Jiivis'mi^  \ 

Sunday,  27th  Oct.,  186  3.      ) 
Major  J.  J,  Reeves,  A.  A.  G. : 

Sir  :  According  to  previous  orders  received,  I  moved  with  my  brig- 
ade and  a  detachment  of  Gen.  Morgan's  command,  from  Charleston,  on 
the  19th,  at  twelve  o'clock,  M. ;  crossed  the  Iliwassee  river  and  travel- 
led all  night.  By  an  agreement  with  Col.  Morrison,  coiiimandiug  brig- 
ade, I  was  to  be  in  front  of  Philadelphia  by  twelve,  M.,  of  the  2i)th.  He 
was  10  cross  the  Iliwassee  below  me  and  move  to  the  rear  of  the  enemy. 
Subsequently  Colonel  M.  notified  me  that  he  could  not  he  at  the 
appointed  place  before  two  o'clock.  P.  M.  Meantime  I  advanced  my 
force-^,  drove  in  the  enemy's  pickets,  kept  up  a  skiruiish  at  a  respecta- 
ble distance,  keeping  all  my  command  out  of  ::i^ht  cf  th:  cnoiny, 
except  two  regiments  and  one  section  of  artillery,  until  Colonel  Mor- 
rison could  get  in  position.  As  soon  as  this  was  known,  I  moved 
rapidly  forward  and  opened  upon  the  enemy  with  my  artillery,  and 
charged  tbetu  with  cavalry,  held  in  readiness  for  ihat  purpose,  com- 
pletely routing  the  enemy  and  scatteriug  them  through  the  woods  in 
every  direction,  capturing  in  all  six  pieces  of  artille--y.  all  nheir 
•wagons,  ambulances,  stores,  &<j  ,  and  a  large  number  of  horses, 
equipments,  &c.,  five  hundred  anrl  six  hundred  prisoners. 

In  this  engagement  I  only  claim  for  my  brigade  that  they  did  their 
part  most  admirably,  and  are  entitled  to  the  reputation  they  hud  pre- 
viously so  richly  merited ;  and  I  fully  accord  to  Coloncd  Morrison's 
brigade  an  equal  share  of  all  the  glories  won,  for  the  gallant  part  acted 
by  them  in  the  engagements.  Without  their  co-op*^>'ati.-»M_  «o  hi-illi-^nt 
a  success  would  have  proven  a  failur-?,  as  the  enemy  wei'e  but  a  few 
aniles  from  a  large  infantry  force  to  support  them. 

My  loss  was  one  man  killed  and  three  captured.  A  few  horses 
were  wounded. 

Brigadier  General  Vaughn  had  kindly,  volunteered  his  services, 
which  were  invaluable  to  me,  and  his  gallantry  and  daring  charge 
upon  the  enemy  has  endeared  him  to  my  brigade,  and  caused  them  all 
to  regard  him  as  one  of  the  bravest  of  the  brave. 

In  the  engagement  of  the  23d  my  loss  was  five  wounded.  The  loss 
of  the  enemy  not  known.  In  the  engagement  of  yesterdiy,  my  loss 
was  three  wounded  and  five  missing.  Two  horses  were  wounded. 
The  enemy  left  some  twelve  or  fifteen  dead  and  wounded  upon  the 
field,  and  are  known  to  have  had  three  commisaioned  officers  and 
several  privates  killed  and  a  number  wounded. 

The  conduct  of  the  men  and  officers,  both  cavalry  and  artillery,  WM 
very  fine  during  all  the  engagements. 

1  am,  Major,  very  respectfullj,  your  obedient  servant, 

G.  G.  DIBRELL, 
Colonel  commanding  Brigade* 


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